A pastor with the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Rev. Nankur Peter Kundul, has 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 reportedly died at Sabon Gida Clinic after sustaining the snakebite while serving in the community.
The news of his death was shared on Monday, August 17, by Pastor Rinkyer Asaph through the Christian Daily International social media platform.
Asaph said the mission field where the late pastor served had been overrun by venomous snakes, with at least two other Christians reportedly killed by snakebites in the area 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 growing number of snakebite deaths in Gamakai as an alarming public health crisis, warning that it could also threaten farming activities in the area.
Gamakai, he noted, is an agricultural hub in Langtang South, with residents heavily dependent on farming for their livelihoods and food production.
He said the agricultural produce from the community contributes to food security across Langtang South, Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
“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,” he said.
Asaph called on the Plateau State health authorities to urgently intervene, investigate the rising snake population and take measures to protect residents, particularly farmers and missionaries working in affected communities.
“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,” he added.
