Aspiring Nigerian Singer Ifunanya Dies After Snakebite in Abuja

There has been an outpouring of grief across Nigeria following the death of Ifunanya Nwangene, a 26-year-old aspiring singer, who died after being bitten by a snake in Abuja on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Nwangene rose to national attention after appearing on The Voice Nigeria in 2021, where she impressed audiences with her ability to blend jazz, opera, classical music and soul.

Snake Removed From Her Apartment

Videos circulating on social media show a snake handler removing a snake from Nwangene’s apartment as frightened voices shouted, “It is a cobra!”

According to a close friend, Hillary Obinna, Nwangene had been asleep when the snake bit her.

“The snake bite woke her up,” Obinna told the BBC, adding that two snakes were later found in the house.

Hospital Treatment and Death

Nwangene initially sought help at a nearby clinic, which reportedly did not have antivenom, before being transferred to a hospital.

Sam Ezugwu, co-founder and music director of the Amemuso Choir, said he rushed to the hospital after hearing the news.

“While they were trying to stabilise her, she could not speak but could make hand gestures. She was struggling to breathe,” he said.

Ezugwu said one antivenom was available, but another was missing. He left to search for it but returned to learn she had died.

Hospital Denies Antivenom Shortage

In a statement, Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, denied claims of inadequate care.

The hospital said medical staff provided immediate treatment, including:

Resuscitation efforts Intravenous fluids Intranasal oxygen Administration of polyvalent snake antivenom

Doctors said her condition deteriorated rapidly due to severe complications from the bite, and efforts to revive her were unsuccessful.

A Rising Star With Big Dreams

Friends described Nwangene as humble, intelligent, and immensely talented.

She was planning to stage her first solo concert later this year and was also a trained architect.

“Everybody is shattered. We could not sleep,” Obinna said.

Renewed Debate on Nigeria’s Healthcare System

Her death has reignited public debate over healthcare quality and patient safety in Nigeria, following other recent allegations of medical negligence.

Nigeria’s Minister of Health has since acknowledged systemic challenges and announced a national task force on clinical governance and patient safety.

Snakebites: A Neglected Public Health Crisis

According to the World Health Organization (WHO):

435,000–580,000 snakebites requiring treatment occur annually in Africa About 30,000 deaths occur each year in sub-Saharan Africa Many cases go unrecorded due to antivenom shortages, high costs, and unreliable electricity for storage

Most victims live in rural areas, making Nwangene’s death in an upmarket part of Abuja particularly shocking to many Nigerians.

Source: bbc.com