Oluwafunbi Bello 
Nobel Karibo
ABUJA, Nigeria – Poor environmental sanitation and irregular fumigation are driving deadly snake encounters in Nigeria’s cities, a pest control expert warns, following two fatal snakebite incidents in Abuja within one week.
Chief executive of Nobel Executive Fumigation, Nobel Karibo, says many urban snakebite deaths are preventable if residents adopt proactive pest control and cleaner surroundings.
“People assume fumigation only targets mosquitoes and cockroaches,” Karibo tells Africa Health Report. “But snakes follow rats. If rodents thrive, reptiles will too.”
The warning comes after the deaths of two Abuja residents. On January 31, 26-year-old singer and The Voice Nigeria alumna Ifunanya Nwangene died after a venomous snake bites her while she sleeps in her Lugbe home. Family members later discover two more snakes inside the residence. Despite emergency treatment, she develops fatal complications.
Days earlier, Usman Muhammad, head teacher at Authority Primary School in Jamigbe Community, Abaji Area Council, died after a cobra bit him inside his office clinic, community officials confirm.
Karibo explains that snakes commonly enter buildings through overgrown vegetation, blocked drains, abandoned structures and open doors. He stresses that pest control must address environmental attractors, not just visible insects.
“Effective snake treatment uses stronger formulations and lasts up to six months,” he says. “Routine household fumigation lasts about three months, but high-risk areas need more frequent intervention.”
Public health advocates say urban snakebites remain underreported despite rising risks linked to poor waste management and expanding settlements. Experts urge landlords and property managers to schedule professional fumigation every three to six months and maintain clean surroundings.
“With rapid urbanisation, human-snake encounters are increasing,” Karibo warns. “Once a venomous snake enters a living space, the danger is immediate.”
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