Venomous snakes are more common than we think — this is a closer look at snake bites and treatment gaps in public safety in Nigeria.
26‑year‑old Nigerian singer Ifunanya Nwangene, also known as Nanyah and a former The Voice Nigeria contestant, died on 31 January 2026, after being bitten by a snake in her home in Abuja. She was reportedly asleep when the venomous bite occurred, and footage shared online showed at least one snake — described by some witnesses as a cobra — being removed from her apartment.
After the bite, Nwangene sought urgent medical attention. She initially visited a nearby clinic, but they referred her elsewhere because the clinic lacked the necessary antivenom for snake bites. She was later transported to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Jabi.
Reports from friends and choir members indicate she was struggling to breathe and was administered antivenom and supportive care at the hospital, but ultimately died from complications related to the venom. The FMC issued a statement saying it provided immediate treatment, including polyvalent snake antivenom, and that her condition worsened rapidly due to the severity of the neurotoxic effects.
Venomous snakes: an overlooked public health issue
Nigeria’s varied ecosystems are home to numerous snake species, including venomous ones like spitting cobras, carpet vipers, and puff adders. Encounters can occur in homes, farms, and rural environments, but public conversation about snakes and what to do in the event of a snakebite remains limited.
Many Nigerians lack clear information on how to respond after a bite, including recognising venomous species and seeking prompt medical care. In part because of this low awareness, snake bites often don’t receive the preventive focus they require, even though timely treatment can be lifesaving.
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Treatment
Effective treatment for venomous snakebite typically involves rapid administration of the correct antivenom. However, healthcare facilities in Nigeria — even in the Federal Capital Territory — sometimes face challenges in maintaining adequate stocks of antivenom and other critical drugs.
Here’s what to do after a snakebite, according to Mayo Clinic:
Move away from the snake to prevent another bite.
Keep the person calm and still to slow the spread of venom.
Immobilise the bitten limb by keeping it as still as possible. Support it in a natural position, remove tight items, and gently secure it with cloth or a bandage — not tight.
Do not cut, suck, ice, or use a tourniquet.
Go to the nearest hospital immediately for antivenom and medical care.
In response to the incident, Nigeria’s Senate has called for policies to ensure nationwide availability of antivenoms in public and private hospitals. They also propose to improve quality assurance and strengthen emergency medicine supply to reduce preventable deaths from snakebites and other envenomations.
Why snakebite awareness matters
Snakebite envenoming remains a significant public health issue in many tropical regions, including parts of Nigeria. The lack of widespread discussion about snakes, recognition of risk, and clear guidance on emergency response contributes to gaps in prevention and treatment.
Expanding public awareness, improving clinical readiness, and ensuring consistent antivenom supplies are key steps in reducing fatalities from snake bites.
