The Governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom says that he has spent the sum of N680 million in treating snakebites victims in the last 22 years.
The Governor revealed this on Tuesday, during a meeting with MINDA PDP Elders Forum.
The MINDA forum consist of people from Masev, Ihyarev and Nongov Development Association and comprises of Guma, Makurdi, Gwer-East and Gwer-West.
The governor, who has been financially responsible for the treatment of snakebites since the year 2000 in Bishop Murray Hospital Makurdi, stated that due to the financial burden the scheme had placed on him he had sought the approval of the Benue State executive council to allow the state government take over.
He also spoke on the invasion of three, out of the four local governments of MINDA, namely Guma, Makurdi and Gwer West by herdsmen while lamenting how their action has displaced and caused the death of so many.
He went ahead to state that despite the unfortunate situation his administration was still executing projects in parts of MINDA, promising that they would continue in their efforts.
Other speakers in the forum include Senator Fred Orti for Masev, Rt Hon Cletus Upaa for Ihyarev, elder Bendena Nongu for Nongov and Mrs Rebecca Apezan for women.
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