Abuja-based singer Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah, has died after suffering a snake bite at her residence, in a tragic incident that has renewed concerns over Nigeria’s emergency healthcare system.
Nanyah reportedly rushed herself to two hospitals on Saturday in search of urgent medical help but was unable to receive timely treatment due to the lack of anti-venom.
Her death was confirmed by Amemuso Choir, where she sang as a soprano. In a statement shared on social media, the group described her as a rising star whose life and talent were cut short.
“Amemuso Choir regrets to announce the sudden demise of our beloved soprano Ifunanya Nwangene, who passed away on 31 January 2026 at the Federal Medical Centre due to a snake bite,” the statement read.
The choir added that Nanyah was on the verge of breaking into the mainstream music scene and would be deeply missed.
Speaking with reporters, Sam Ezugwu, Amemuso’s music director, narrated the frantic final hours leading to her death. He said he became aware of the emergency after seeing a distress post on Nwangene’s social media page requesting help at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja.
According to him, Nanyah had earlier visited a hospital in Lugbe, where she was told that anti-venom was unavailable, forcing her to travel by ride-hailing service to FMC — a journey of about 30 minutes.
Ezugwu said that by the time she arrived at FMC, she was still conscious and able to explain the incident, including describing the snake that bit her. However, doctors later informed him that the venom had already spread through her system.
Hospital officials reportedly said that two doses of anti-venom were required, but only one was available at the facility. Ezugwu said he rushed to purchase the second dose from a nearby pharmacy, but tragedy struck before he could return.
“As I was driving back with the anti-venom, I got a call that Ifunanya had died. She passed away at 12:20 pm,” he said.
While FMC officials reportedly insisted that medical attention was provided promptly, Ezugwu questioned why a major federal hospital lacked adequate life-saving drugs.
“What pains me the most is why a hospital like FMC would not have the required treatment,” he said.
The family has requested that her remains be taken to Enugu State for burial.
Following her death, videos circulated online showing a large black snake, believed to have been captured from her apartment after the incident.
Nwangene’s death has triggered widespread outrage, with Nigerians lamenting the poor emergency response system, inadequate hospital preparedness, and the continued shortage of anti-venom across health facilities.
