The Kwara State government has directed an immediate statewide anti-snake fumigation exercise across residential buildings, institutions, and other regulated premises to safeguard residents from increasing snake attacks.

The directive, issued on Saturday through the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA), follows reports of rising snake bite incidents in parts of the state.

According to the agency’s Press Secretary, Aliyu Amode, all property owners and operators of regulated premises are required to comply immediately.

The General Manager of KWEPA, Jide Aina, said the exercise is a preventive public safety measure to reduce the presence of snakes in homes, schools, offices, and other facilities across Kwara.

“All regulated premises, institutions, and residential building owners across the state are hereby directed to immediately carry out anti-snake fumigation exercises as part of efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of residents,” Aina stated.

He added that the fumigation is part of broader precautionary efforts aimed at minimizing snake encounters in populated areas. Residents were also advised to maintain proper environmental sanitation to discourage reptiles from inhabiting their surroundings.

“Property owners and occupants are further advised to maintain proper sanitation and ensure waste disposal practices do not create habitats for harmful animals,” Aina said.

The GM called on community leaders, landlords, and residents to support the government’s campaign by clearing bushes and overgrown vegetation that often serve as hiding places for snakes. KWEPA assured the public that it would continue monitoring environmental conditions while implementing measures to safeguard public health and promote environmental sustainability.

The directive comes amid growing nationwide concerns over the availability of anti-snake venom in hospitals, following the death of Ifunanya Nwangene, a 25-year-old singer who died on January 31, 2026, after a cobra bite in her Abuja apartment. Her death highlighted gaps in emergency medical responses and antivenom availability, prompting renewed calls from public health advocates for improved access to treatment for snake bites.