Nigerian Woman Shares Harrowing Account of 2019 Snake Bite and Traditional Treatment
A Nigerian woman has courageously shared her traumatic experience of surviving a snake bite that occurred in 2019, recounting the painful incident and revealing the traditional healer who ultimately saved her life. Her emotional story, which recently gained attention online, highlights the dangers of snake encounters and the role of traditional medicine in emergency healthcare situations.
The Fateful Evening Attack in Lokoja
According to Prisca Amara Ewim, who shared her ordeal on social media, the incident took place during the evening hours of October or November 2019 while she was staying at her sister's residence in Lokoja, Kogi State. The family had gathered for dinner around 8:00 to 8:30 PM when they heard knocking at the gate.
"I came out to check who it was, not knowing that this monster had already positioned itself at the stairs waiting," Ewim recalled in her post. "Just a few steps down the stairs, it attacked immediately. The pains I went through during this period ehhh. I saw shege."
The snake, which had strategically positioned itself on the staircase, struck as she descended, injecting venom that caused immediate and excruciating pain. This sudden attack left her traumatized and facing a serious medical emergency.
Failed Local Treatment and Journey to Oko
Following the bite, Ewim received initial local treatment in Lokoja, but the situation continued to deteriorate. "We treated it locally in Lokoja and it keeps swelling up," she explained, describing how the affected area refused to respond to conventional first aid measures.
As the swelling persisted and her condition remained unstable, she made the difficult decision to travel immediately to Oko in search of alternative treatment. The journey represented a desperate attempt to find relief from the persistent symptoms that local medical approaches had failed to address.
Traditional Healing Success
In Oko, Ewim finally found the solution she desperately needed through the intervention of an elderly traditional healer. "It was one old man that finally treated me," she disclosed, though she did not provide specific details about the traditional methods employed.
Her successful treatment highlights the continued reliance on traditional medicine in certain Nigerian communities, particularly for conditions where conventional medical resources may be limited or ineffective. The experience left her with lasting psychological effects, as she noted: "I couldn't sleep well for months after this because of fear."
Nigerian Reactions and Preventive Discussions
The sharing of Ewim's story sparked significant discussion among Nigerians, with many commenters sharing their own experiences with snake encounters and offering preventive advice. Several respondents suggested natural deterrents, including:
- Planting lemon grass around properties
- Using alligator pepper seeds in the environment
- Applying traditional herbal remedies like akintola leaves
Other commenters shared similar survival stories, creating a community dialogue about snake safety and traditional healing practices. The conversation revealed both the prevalence of such incidents and the diverse approaches Nigerians employ to address them.
Broader Context of Snake-Related Incidents
Ewim's account emerges amid increasing reports of snake bite incidents across Nigeria. Her story follows the tragic death of singer Ifunanya Nwangene, who reportedly succumbed to a snake bite in January 2026, highlighting the ongoing public health concern posed by venomous snakes.
These incidents underscore the importance of:
- Public awareness about snake prevention and safety measures
- Accessibility to both conventional and traditional treatment options
- Emergency response systems for venomous bites in various regions
The emotional retelling of this 2019 incident serves as a powerful reminder of the very real dangers posed by snake encounters in Nigeria and the complex healthcare landscape where traditional and modern approaches sometimes intersect in life-saving ways.
