The Kwara State Government has directed an immediate anti-snake fumigation exercise across the state following growing concerns over snakebite cases reported in several communities.
The directive was issued through the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency, which instructed property owners, institutions and operators of regulated premises to conduct fumigation in their environments without delay.
In a statement released on Saturday by the agency’s Press Secretary, Aliyu Amode, residents were urged to comply with the directive as part of efforts to safeguard public safety.
The General Manager of KWEPA, Jide Aina, said the decision was taken as a preventive step to reduce the risk of snake attacks in residential and public spaces.
According to him, “All regulated premises, institutions and residential building owners across Kwara State are expected to immediately carry out anti-snake fumigation exercises to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.”
Aina explained that the measure forms part of the state government’s broader strategy to prevent snakes from inhabiting areas frequently occupied by people.
“The fumigation exercise is a precautionary step aimed at reducing the presence of snakes around homes, offices, schools and other public facilities across the state,” he added.
The agency also encouraged residents to maintain clean surroundings to discourage reptiles and other harmful animals from settling in their environments.
Aina advised property owners and occupants to properly manage waste and avoid conditions that could serve as breeding or hiding places for snakes.
“Residents should ensure proper sanitation and clear bushes or overgrown vegetation around their homes, as these often provide hiding places for snakes,” he said.
KWEPA further assured residents that it would continue to monitor environmental conditions across the state while implementing measures to protect public health.
The directive comes amid nationwide concerns about snakebite incidents and the limited availability of anti-venom in some health facilities.
