Pastor dies from snakebite in Plateau community

A pastor from the Church of Christ in Nations, Rev. Nankur Kundul, has died after being bitten by a snake in Gamakai, Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

A report by Christian Daily International, part of The Christian Post based in Washington, United States, stated that Kundul was ministering at a COCIN church in Boltim village, Gamakai, when he was bitten.

The report quoted a friend of Kundul, Rinkyer Asaph, who announced his death on August 13. He said that snakes in the area had attacked before and had killed other Christians.

Asaph said, "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. At least two other Christians have previously lost their lives to snakebites in Gamakai."

Asaph described Gamakai as a farming community in Langtang South. He explained that the people there rely mostly on farming for food and income.

He warned that the rising number of snakebites could be a serious problem for farmers. They may not want to go into their farms if they feel at risk.

"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 or farms in Gamakai," he said.

On Tuesday, the spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, Alfred Alabo, confirmed that police officers were on the ground. He said more details would be shared on the command’s social media pages.

"We are currently at the location. You will hear from the command. Go and follow us on our page. When we drop something, you will see it there," Alabo told our correspondent.

As of when this report was written, the police had not yet shared details about the incident on their social media.