The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has pledged to strengthen emergency response and preventive measures against snakebites following the death of Ifunanya Nwangene from complications arising from a snakebite.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the mandate secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Adedolapo Fasawe, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as a painful and largely preventable loss.
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Ms Fasawe said the case has renewed concerns about snakebites as a public health emergency, particularly in areas where human settlements overlap with snake habitats.
“Snakebites remain a largely preventable public health emergency. Snakes inhabit rainforests, grasslands, farms and semi-arid areas, and often hide near human dwellings in search of food or shelter, leading to increased human–snake encounters,” she said.
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She noted that Nigeria is home to highly venomous species such as cobras, vipers and puff adders, stressing that all snakebites should be treated as venomous until proven otherwise.
Death announcement, social media reaction
Ms Nwangene’s death was officially announced on Sunday, 31 January, by the Amemuso Choir, where she was a soprano singer.
In a statement posted on its Instagram page, the choir said the singer, also known as Nanyah, died at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, after suffering complications from a snakebite.
The choir described her as a rising talent whose voice and spirit would be deeply missed, noting that she was on the verge of reaching a wider audience.
The announcement triggered widespread reactions on social media, with many expressing grief while also raising questions about the circumstances surrounding her death.
Some social media users alleged that the hospital failed to provide adequate care or lacked anti-snake venom, claims that quickly gained traction online.
Hospital rejects allegations of negligence
Responding to the allegations, the management of FMC, Jabi, rejected claims that the hospital was negligent or lacked anti-snake venom.
In a statement signed by Mr Bioku Muftau, head of clinical services, the hospital said Ms Nwangene died from severe neurotoxic complications resulting from the snakebite.
The management said its medical team acted promptly when the patient was brought to the facility.
According to the statement, treatment provided included resuscitation efforts, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and the administration of polyvalent snake antivenom.
Doctors, the hospital said, quickly assessed that the patient had developed serious neurotoxic complications and were making arrangements to transfer her to the Intensive Care Unit when her condition suddenly deteriorated.
It added that medical personnel attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other life-saving measures but were unable to revive her.
Prevention, emergency care measures
Reacting to the incident, the FCTA urged residents to adopt preventive measures such as wearing protective clothing while farming, clearing debris around homes, sealing entry points, avoiding dark areas or using flashlights at night, and never handling snakes.
In the event of a snakebite, residents were advised to remain calm, immobilise the affected limb below heart level, remove constrictive items, clean the wound gently, and proceed immediately to a hospital with antivenom.
The administration warned against harmful practices such as cutting or sucking the wound, applying tourniquets, ice, or herbal remedies.
The FCTA also reassured residents that different forms of anti-snake venom are available across FCTA-owned hospitals and public health facilities.
According to the statement, antivenoms are centrally stored at the Abuja Central Medical Stores and managed to ensure quality, cold-chain integrity, and availability.
The administration said it has strengthened emergency response through expanded road networks and the deployment of 12 ambulances to reduce evacuation time, adding that tertiary care services, including intensive care and airway management, are available across FCT hospitals.
It warned that public and private health facilities must adhere strictly to approved clinical protocols, noting that monitoring would be intensified and negligent facilities sanctioned.
Residents were advised to contact the FCT Emergency Medical System and Ambulance Services on 090157892931 or 090157892932 in case of emergencies.
