Snakes take over tenancy in Yenagoa

The high flood which left about three quarter of the capital city submerged is blamed for the high presence of the reptiles around human settlements. Though there had been no reported death caused by snake bites, the number of persons treated for snake bites in the last three weeks had increased tremendously, it was learnt. In spite of risk posed by the invasion of these reptiles, snake hunters have been making brisk business in the last couple of weeks as the flood sacked thousands of residents from their homes.Only last week, a swamp buggy operator clearing the canal of debris and trapped water plants narrowly escaped being killed by a giant python at the Opolo suburb of Yenagoa. The snake was said to have wrapped itself round the swamp buggy cabin trying to reach the terrified operator but could not due to the metal and fibre-glass protection around him before it later disappeared into the canal causing the man to run for his dear life. ”We are living in fear of snake bites. The reptiles are always lurking around homes and some have started to enter houses and putting small children in danger,” lamented John Aziba, a resident of Azikoro. He urged the state government and the Yenagoa city council to as a matter of urgency fumigate the flooded areas so as to repel the reptiles incursion. Agorowei Thomas, said if the problem persists he may be forced to consider moving out of the area. “If the situation persist I may be force to move out. I cannot continue to live in fear of snakes invading my house,” he said adding that he had on several occasions, spotted pythons and other dangerous reptiles lurking in vegetation near the natural drain. ”I’m not willing to put my life and that of my children at risk,” he said and called on the government to act before it was too late. Source:Vanguard