Abuja Rising Star Ifunanya Dies Following Snakebite Incident

Ifunanya Nwangene, a rising Abuja-based singer, has died after being bitten by a snake, sparking renewed concern about emergency medical preparedness in the Federal Capital Territory.

The 26-year-old soprano, a member of the Amemuso Choir, passed away on Saturday at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, after efforts to treat her were reportedly hampered by the limited availability of antivenom.

Confirming her death, the Amemuso Choir released a statement on Sunday signed by its music director, Sam Ezugwu, mourning the loss of the talented singer.

“We deeply regret to announce the sudden passing of our beloved soprano, Ifunanya Nwangene, who died yesterday, 31st January 2026, at the Federal Medical Centre due to a snakebite,” the statement read.

The choir described Nwangene as a fast-rising talent within Abuja’s music scene, noting her death occurred at a pivotal stage of her career. “A rising star, Ifunanya was poised to share her remarkable talent with the world. Her voice and presence will be profoundly missed,” the statement added, while indicating that funeral arrangements would be announced later.

Speaking on how the incident unfolded, Ezugwu explained that Nwangene was bitten while asleep in her residence and initially sought treatment at a private hospital in Lugbe.

“She was bitten at home and rushed to Divine Health Hospital in Trademore, Lugbe. Unfortunately, the hospital did not have the antivenom,” he said.

Transportation and antivenom shortages further delayed her transfer to FMC. “Her landlord tried to take her to FMC, Jabi, but the car failed. She then booked a Bolt to the hospital and explained her situation to the medical team,” Ezugwu added.

Although she received care at FMC, the hospital reportedly had only one vial of antivenom available. Efforts to obtain a second vial were unsuccessful in time. “While we were trying to get the second vial, she unfortunately passed away,” he said.

Following her death, a snake charmer was called to identify the snake species. The cobra that bit Nwangene was found inside her residence, while another snake was killed near the entrance. The incident occurred in the morning, and she died around 12:20 pm.

The case has prompted public debate about emergency healthcare in Nigeria. Health advocates have criticised the lack of readily available antivenom in hospitals.

Popular social media health commentator Aproko Doctor highlighted the systemic issues, noting that locally developed antivenom for Nigerian snakes, such as Echi-Tab, exists but is not sufficiently stocked in hospitals. “The lack of basic emergency supplies, not the snake itself, caused her death,” he stated. He also pointed to broader healthcare gaps, including poor infrastructure, strikes, and insufficient emergency response systems.

This incident mirrors other recent snakebite fatalities in the FCT. In a separate case, the Jamigbe community in Abaji Area Council reported that a head teacher, Usman Mohammed, died after being bitten by a venomous snake in his office.

Globally, snakebite envenoming causes up to 138,000 deaths and 400,000 permanent disabilities each year. Recognised by the World Health Organization as a priority neglected tropical disease, snakebite continues to disproportionately affect rural and vulnerable communities.

In Nigeria, healthcare workers report widespread challenges in treating snakebite victims, including delays in patient arrival, poor hospital infrastructure, and gaps in clinical training, all contributing to preventable deaths.