An Abuja based singer, Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah, has died after suffering a snake bite at her residence, with reports pointing to delays in accessing life saving anti venom.
Nwangene reportedly rushed herself to two hospitals after the incident on Saturday but could not get prompt treatment due to the unavailability of anti venom. She later died at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.
Her death was confirmed by Amemuso Choir, where she was a member, in a statement shared on social media on Sunday.
“Amemuso Choir regrets to announce the sudden demise of our beloved soprano, Ifunanya Nwangene, who passed away on January 31, 2026, at the Federal Medical Centre due to a snake bite,” the statement said. “A rising star, Ifunanya was at the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world. Her voice and spirit will be deeply missed.”
Speaking on the incident, Sam Ezugwu, music director of the choir, said the singer’s final hours were marked by a desperate race against time.
He explained that he became aware of the situation after seeing a distress message on Nwangene’s social media page asking if anyone was close to the Federal Medical Centre.
“I called the person with her and they told me she had been bitten by a snake,” Ezugwu said. “I rushed to the hospital and met her in severe distress.”
According to him, doctors informed him that two doses of anti venom were required, but only one was available and had already been administered.
“So I had to drive about ten minutes away to Skylark Pharmacy near the National Hospital to get the second dose,” he said. “While I was on my way back, her friend called and said Ifunanya had died. She passed on at about 12.20 pm.”
Ezugwu added that before getting to the Federal Medical Centre, Nwangene had earlier visited a hospital in Lugbe, where she was told that anti venom was not available.
“She then took a Bolt to FMC. The journey took about 30 minutes. She was still active when she arrived and even explained the type of snake that bit her,” he said.
He disclosed that a doctor later told him the venom had already spread by the time she arrived at the facility.
“What hurts the most is why a hospital like FMC would not have adequate anti venom. It is really painful,” Ezugwu added.
Following her death, videos circulated online showing a long black snake reportedly captured inside her apartment after the incident.
Nwangene’s family has requested that her remains be taken to Enugu State for burial.
