A viral video of a massive python slowly crossing a dirt road has set Nigerian social media ablaze, with many viewers expressing shock and fear. The clip, which surfaced this week, shows the huge snake moving calmly across a road lined with palm trees while the person filming from a vehicle can be heard reacting in disbelief.
The footage was said to have been recorded at the Okomu Palm Plantation in Edo State. In the video, the reptile takes its time to cross, giving viewers a clear look at its size. Many Nigerians online called it one of the biggest snakes they had ever seen in the wild, with some admitting the sight made them uneasy about working or traveling in forested areas.
Okomu Oil Palm Plantation is one of the largest in West Africa and sits within a rainforest zone known for rich wildlife. Local residents say sightings of large snakes are not unheard of in the area, particularly near trees or along paths in the early morning and at dusk. Older workers shared stories of encountering similar pythons years ago while on the farm.
Wildlife experts who reviewed the clip said the snake is likely an African rock python, not anaconda as some posts claimed. Anacondas are native only to South America, while African rock pythons are common across Nigeria and can grow to considerable size. The experts noted that these snakes are not usually aggressive toward humans unless provoked, but their size alone is enough to cause panic.
The company that manages the Okomu plantation responded quickly to the viral post. In an official statement, it said the video did not originate from its site. Management suggested the footage might be AI-generated and stressed that no such incident had been reported in its operational areas. They urged the public to stop sharing unverified content and assured workers and visitors that the plantations remain safe…See More
