Popular pastor dies of snakebite
A pastor with the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Rev Nankur Peter Kundul, has reportedly died after suffering a snakebite while serving as a missionary in Boltim village, Gamakai District of Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Kundul was deployed to the community as a missionary before the tragic incident.
News of his death was shared on Monday, August 17, by Pastor Rinkyer Asaph through the Christian Daily International social media platform.
According to Asaph, the late clergyman died at Sabon Gida Clinic following the snakebite. He added that at least two other Christians had reportedly died from snakebites in the area within the previous week.
“My heart is deeply saddened by the demise of my friend, Pastor Nankur Peter Kundul of COCIN Boltim, Gamakai, in Langtang South LGA, who lost his life to a snakebite at the Sabon Gida Clinic,” Asaph said.
He raised concerns over what he described as an increasing incidence of fatal snakebites in the Gamakai area, warning that the situation posed both a public health and agricultural threat.
Asaph noted that Gamakai is a major agricultural hub in Langtang South, with many residents depending on farming for their livelihoods and food production.
He said the growing fear of snakebites could discourage farmers from going to their farmlands, potentially affecting agricultural activities and food production in the community.
“The recent deaths from snakebites in Gamakai have reached an alarming level and demand urgent intervention. Snakebite should not become a death sentence simply because a person lives on farms in Gamakai,” he said.
The clergyman called on local, state and federal authorities, as well as health officials, to urgently investigate the reported increase in venomous snakes in the area and take measures to protect residents.
He also stressed the need for improved access to treatment and coordinated intervention to prevent further deaths.
“Another person must not die from a snakebite that could have been prevented or treated. It is an emerging public health emergency that requires prompt, coordinated and decisive action from the local, state and federal authorities,” Asaph added.
Residents and concerned stakeholders are now calling for urgent action to address the situation as fears grow over the reported rise in fatal snakebite cases in the farming community
