An Abuja based singer, Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah, has died after suffering a snake bite at her residence on Saturday, sparking renewed concerns over emergency medical preparedness in the country.
According to reports, the singer sought urgent medical attention at two different hospitals but was allegedly unable to receive timely treatment due to the unavailability of anti-venom. She eventually died at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, on January 31, 2026.
Nwangene’s death was confirmed by the Amemuso Choir, where she served as a soprano. In a statement shared on social media, the choir described her as a rising star whose talent and spirit would be deeply missed. “A rising star, Ifunanya was at the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world,” the statement read.
Amemuso’s Music Director, Sam Ezugwu, recounted the singer’s final hours, describing a desperate race against time. He said he became aware of the situation after seeing a social media post from Nwangene seeking help at FMC. Upon arriving at the hospital, he was informed that two doses of anti-venom were required, but only one was available and had already been administered.
Ezugwu said he immediately drove to a nearby pharmacy to procure the second dose, but tragedy struck before he could return. “As I was returning, her friend called to say Ifunanya had died. She passed away at 12:20 p.m.,” he said.
Reports indicate that after the snake bite, Nwangene first sought treatment at a hospital in Lugbe, which lacked anti-venom, before proceeding to FMC via a ride-hailing service. Hospital officials reportedly confirmed that while treatment was commenced at FMC, earlier delays proved fatal.
Her death has triggered an outpouring of grief and renewed calls for improved access to life-saving emergency care.
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