Survivors Reveal Horrifying Tactics as Kidnappers Use Poisonous Snakes to Terrorize Victims

Recently liberated abduction victims have shared harrowing accounts of their captivity, detailing how kidnappers deployed poisonous snakes to instill terror. Victims disclosed these unsettling experiences in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

According to the survivors, the forests inhabited by the bandits are teeming with snakes, posing threats to both captors and captives. The snakes, strategically placed in snake-infested spots, become a tool of coercion, exploiting the fear of victims.

An anonymous victim recounted, “The kidnappers know the areas infested with snakes and would often throw the victims there. The sight of snakes is used to frighten people, compelling them to appeal to friends and family for exorbitant ransoms.”

Investigations by NAN revealed that the worst snake-infested areas include Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State, Kala-Balge near Lake Chad in Borno State, Shaki in Oyo State, Borgu, and Kagara in Niger, Karim Lamido in Adamawa State, and Lau in Taraba State.

Survivors emphasized the heightened danger during the current heat, as snakes emerge from their hiding spots in search of fresh air and food, making nights particularly traumatizing for victims.

Abdulsalam Nasidi, a professor and Chairman of the Echitap Study Group, highlighted the correlation between banditry and snake-prone areas. Nasidi, whose group collaborates with international entities for anti-snake venom, expressed concern over the escalating cases of snake bites in Nigeria.

He attributed the rising treatment costs to foreign production, emphasizing the need for local manufacturing to make anti-snake venom more affordable for the vulnerable population.

Nasidi disclosed, “The rise in the value of the dollar has made the cost of foreign production so high that the poor man, who is often the victim of snake bites, cannot afford it. We desperately need to produce ASV locally.”

He identified the most poisonous snakes in Nigeria as carpet viper, puff adder, black cobra, and the equally dangerous Black Mamba in Abuja.

Addressing the deliberate exposure of kidnapping victims to snakes, Nasidi stated, “Snakes do not know the difference between a kidnapper and his victim,” condemning the inhumane tactic and the apparent disregard for human life.

Nasidi revealed that his group submitted a proposal to the Central Bank of Nigeria for local ASV production, awaiting funding to commence. He urged Nigerians to be vigilant, especially during the night, emphasizing prevention as the best defense against costly snakebite treatments.