Singer Ifunanya Nwangene Dies After Snake Bite in Abuja
A Nigerian singer’s death after a snake bite incident has sparked widespread concern about emergency snakebite treatment in urban Nigeria. Ifunanya Nwangene, a 26-year-old singer and former contestant on The Voice Nigeria, died on January 31 after a snake bit her while she slept in her apartment in Abuja.
Her death has drawn attention to the urgent need for timely access to antivenom and coordinated emergency response, even in major cities.
Snake Bite Occurred While She Was Asleep
According to reports by BBC, the incident happened in the early hours of the morning at her residence in Abuja. A snake reportedly bit Nwangene on the leg while she slept, waking her in distress.
Immediately after the bite, she sought medical help. First, she went to a nearby clinic. However, the clinic could not provide antivenom, which is the main treatment for venomous snake bites.
As a result, medical staff transferred her to a larger hospital for advanced care.
Hospital Treatment and Antivenom Dispute
At the referral hospital, doctors began treatment without delay. However, according to a close associate, only one of the two required antivenom doses was immediately available. While efforts were underway to obtain the second dose, her condition worsened.
Tragically, the Nigerian singer died after snake bite complications before additional treatment could be completed.
In response to public concern, the Federal Medical Centre Abuja released an official statement. The hospital stated that it acted promptly and provided appropriate medical care. It denied claims of antivenom shortage and described reports of inadequate treatment as inaccurate.
Doctors confirmed that she died from severe neurotoxic effects caused by snake venom, which can rapidly affect breathing and the nervous system.
Snakes Found Inside the Apartment
After her death, animal control officers inspected the apartment. They captured two snakes from the premises. Videos shared online showed residents reacting with alarm, with one voice identifying the snake as a cobra.
Cobras carry neurotoxic venom, which can cause paralysis and respiratory failure if treatment is delayed.
Who Was Ifunanya Nwangene
Ifunanya Nwangene was a Nigerian singer and songwriter known for her wide musical range. She blended jazz, classical, opera, and soul music with ease.
She gained national recognition in 2021 during season three of The Voice Nigeria. Her blind audition, where she performed Rihanna’s Take a Bow, impressed the judges and turned two chairs. The performance later attracted over 100,000 views on YouTube.
Members of the AMEMUSO choir, where she sang, described her as a rising talent with a promising future in music.
Conclusion
From a medical standpoint, snake bites remain a life-threatening emergency. Neurotoxic venom acts quickly and can lead to respiratory arrest within hours. Antivenom works best when given early and in adequate doses.
Health experts stress that urban hospitals must maintain consistent antivenom supplies and rapid referral systems. Public awareness about seeking immediate emergency care after snake bites also remains critical.
Conclusion
The case where a Nigerian singer died after a snake bite has reignited discussion about snakebite preparedness, even in capital cities. While snake bites are often associated with rural areas, this incident shows that urban residents are also at risk.
Medical professionals continue to call for better emergency protocols, faster inter facility coordination, and improved public education on snakebite first aid.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 3 February 2026
- 13:00
