Two residents of Lissam Sambo in Taraba died from snakebites within 24 hours, prompting calls for urgent access to anti-snake venom and healthcare.
Residents of Lissam Sambo, popularly known as Pangtso, in Ussa Local Government Area of Taraba State, have been plunged into mourning after two members of the remote community reportedly died from snakebites within a 24-hour period.
The two separate incidents have once again drawn attention to the healthcare difficulties confronting people living in the community, particularly the challenges of accessing emergency treatment for snakebite victims.
The latest deaths occurred on Thursday, July 23, 2026, with the first victim identified as Elder Bako Awanki. He reportedly died in the evening after being bitten by a snake.
Another resident, who was reportedly bitten at a different location, also died later that same night. The deaths have generated concern among residents, who fear that more lives could be lost if urgent measures are not taken to improve access to anti-snake venom and other emergency medical services.
Lissam Sambo, also referred to as Pangtso, is a remote border community situated in Ussa Local Government Area of Taraba State and shares a boundary with the Republic of Cameroon.
Because of its remote location, residents reportedly face difficulties accessing basic healthcare services, with emergency medical treatment often requiring victims to travel considerable distances before reaching a properly equipped health facility.
The Chairman of the Lissam Sambo (Pangtso) Community Development Association, Mr. Danladi Bewa, attributed the latest deaths partly to the absence of a nearby health facility with anti-snake venom readily available for emergency treatment.
According to Bewa, the two victims were unable to access the appropriate medical intervention quickly after being bitten. He said the absence of the life-saving medication in the immediate vicinity left the victims with limited options, forcing them to seek traditional treatment.
Unfortunately, the delay in receiving appropriate medical care reportedly worsened their conditions and eventually resulted in their deaths.
The community leader expressed deep sadness over the situation, saying the latest incidents had highlighted a problem that residents had been facing for a long time.
Bewa said snakebite-related deaths were not new in the area, adding that other residents had reportedly lost their lives in similar circumstances in the past.
He explained that the combination of the community’s remote location, inadequate access to healthcare and the unavailability of anti-snake venom had made snakebite incidents particularly dangerous for residents.
In many cases, he said, victims require immediate medical attention after being bitten, but the absence of essential medication within easy reach can significantly reduce their chances of survival.
The community association chairman therefore called on the Ussa Local Government Council to urgently intervene and address the situation.
Bewa specifically appealed to the Executive Chairman of Ussa Local Government Council, Hon. Abershi Musa, to ensure that anti-snake venom is made available to residents of Lissam Sambo.
He said having the medication within the community or at a strategically located health facility would help ensure that victims receive treatment as quickly as possible.
He also called on the Taraba State Commissioner for Health to take immediate steps towards improving emergency healthcare services in the area.
According to him, the provision of anti-snake venom should be treated as a priority, considering the number of lives that could potentially be saved through timely access to treatment.
Bewa further urged the state health authorities to consider strengthening healthcare services in the remote community, particularly by ensuring that essential drugs and emergency medical supplies are available.
He argued that residents in rural and border communities should not be left without access to critical healthcare simply because of their geographical location.
The latest deaths have also renewed calls for greater attention to rural healthcare infrastructure across Taraba State, especially in communities located far away from major towns and urban centres.
For residents of Lissam Sambo, the concern goes beyond the two deaths recorded within a single day. The community fears that without urgent intervention, future victims of snakebite could face similar difficulties in obtaining timely and effective treatment.
Snakebites can become life-threatening when victims do not receive appropriate medical care quickly, making access to anti-snake venom an important part of emergency response in areas where snakebite incidents are common.
Bewa said immediate government action could help prevent further loss of lives and give residents greater confidence in the healthcare system.
He expressed confidence that the Ussa Local Government administration and the Taraba State Government would listen to the concerns of the community and take practical steps to address the situation.
The community leader urged the relevant authorities not to wait until more residents die before responding to the issue.
He appealed for the provision of anti-snake venom, better-equipped healthcare facilities and improved access to emergency medical services for residents of Lissam Sambo and surrounding communities.
He maintained that timely intervention could make a significant difference in the survival of snakebite victims and reduce the number of preventable deaths recorded in the area.
The deaths of the two residents have therefore become a fresh reminder of the urgent healthcare needs of people living in remote parts of Taraba State.
As the community mourns the victims, residents are looking to the local and state governments for swift action to ensure that life-saving treatment is available when emergencies occur.
For the people of Lissam Sambo, the immediate priority is clear: ensuring that no resident loses their life to a treatable snakebite simply because the required medication was unavailable or medical assistance was too far away.
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