Fatal Snakebite Claims Life of COCIN Pastor in Plateau

Reverend Nankur Peter Kundul, a missionary with the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), has tragically passed away following a snakebite incident. The unfortunate event occurred while he was engaged in mission work within Boltim village, located in the Gamakai District of Langtang South Local Government Area, Plateau State.

The announcement of Rev. Kundul’s demise was made public on Monday, August 17, by Pastor Rinkyer Asaph through the Christian Daily International social media platform. Pastor Asaph disclosed that the mission territory where the deceased served has been plagued by dangerous snakes, which have been responsible for other fatalities in the vicinity.

Expressing his grief, Pastor Asaph stated, “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. He died as a result of a snakebite, which has also killed at least two other Christians in the past one week.”

He further highlighted the critical role of Gamakai, saying, “Gamakai is the agricultural nerve centre of Langtang South. Its people depend heavily on farming for their livelihood and food production. The agricultural produce from Gamakai is a source of food security for many families in Langtang South, Plateau and Nigeria. But the rising incidence of fatal snakebites in the community is, therefore, not only a public health concern but a serious threat to agricultural activities, as farmers may become increasingly afraid to venture into their farmlands. 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.”

Pastor Asaph appealed to health authorities within Plateau State to take immediate action against the prevalent snake menace, emphasizing the necessity for an investigation into the apparent increase in venomous snake populations in the region.

He concluded by stressing the urgency: “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. Gamakai is an emergency that deserves a swift response from authorities.”