- The Kwara State Government has ordered a statewide anti-snake fumigation exercise to reduce the risk of snake attacks
- The directive was issued through the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency following reports of rising snakebite incidents in parts of the state
- The development comes amid nationwide concern about access to antivenom following the death of Nigerian singer Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah, after a snakebite in Abuja
The Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency has ordered an immediate statewide anti-snake fumigation exercise across residential buildings, institutions, and other regulated premises to protect residents from the rising threat of snake attacks.
The directive was announced on Saturday, March 7, by the Kwara State Government following reports of increasing snakebite incidents in several parts of the state.
In a statement released by the agency’s Press Secretary, Aliyu Amode, property owners and operators of regulated facilities were instructed to comply with the order without delay.
The General Manager of the agency, Jide Aina, explained that the move was introduced as a proactive safety measure to reduce the presence of snakes around homes, schools, offices, and other facilities across the state.
Aina emphasised that strengthening environmental safety practices is necessary to protect lives and maintain a healthier living environment for residents.
“All regulated premises, institutions, and residential building owners across the state are hereby directed to immediately carry out anti-snake fumigation exercises as part of efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of residents,” he said.
He further noted that the exercise forms part of wider precautionary efforts aimed at limiting snake encounters in populated communities.
“The fumigation exercise is a precautionary measure aimed at reducing the presence of snakes around homes, offices, schools, and other regulated premises across Kwara State,” he added.
Aina also urged residents to adopt proactive sanitation practices to discourage reptiles from inhabiting residential areas.
“Property owners and occupants were further advised to maintain proper sanitation and ensure that waste disposal practices do not create habitats for harmful animals.”
He stressed that environmental safety guidelines must be strictly followed to prevent avoidable dangers and safeguard communities.
The agency also called on community leaders, landlords, and residents to support the campaign by clearing bushes and overgrown vegetation, which often serve as hiding places for snakes.
The Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency assured residents that it would continue monitoring environmental conditions across the state while implementing measures aimed at protecting public health and promoting environmental sustainability.
The directive comes amid growing national concern over the availability of antivenom in hospitals following the death of Ifunanya Nwangene, a 25-year-old Nigerian singer popularly known as Nanyah, who died on January 31, 2026, after a snakebite incident in her apartment in Abuja.
She was reportedly bitten by a cobra while sleeping and later died after being taken to a hospital, raising concerns about emergency medical response and the availability of antivenom.
Public health advocates have since renewed calls for improved access to anti-snake venom in healthcare facilities nationwide, warning that delays in treatment often lead to preventable deaths.