A pastor with the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Rev. Nankur Peter Kundul, has reportedly died after being bitten by a venomous snake while serving as a missionary in Boltim village, Gamakai District, Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Kundul was deployed to the community as a missionary and was serving at the COCIN mission field in Boltim before the incident.
The news of his death was shared on Monday, August 17, by Pastor Rinkyer Asaph through the Christian Daily International social media platform.
According to Asaph, the mission field and surrounding community have recently experienced an alarming increase in venomous snake attacks, with at least two other Christians reportedly dying from snakebites within the past week.
“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,” Asaph said.
He described the recent deaths as a serious public health concern, particularly because Gamakai is an important agricultural community whose residents depend heavily on farming for their livelihoods.
Asaph warned that the increasing number of fatal snakebite incidents could also threaten agricultural activities, as farmers may become afraid to venture into their farmlands.
“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,” he said.
He called on health authorities and relevant government agencies to urgently intervene and investigate the reported increase in the population of venomous snakes in the area.
“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,” Asaph said.
He further appealed for urgent measures to protect residents, farmers and other people working in the area from further snakebite incidents.
“Gamakai is an emergency that deserves a swift response from authorities,” he added.
The death of Rev. Kundul has renewed concerns over access to timely and effective treatment for snakebite victims in rural communities, particularly farming settlements where residents are frequently exposed to snakes.