The Director of the AMEMUSO Choir, Mr. Sam C. Ezugwu, has released a detailed account of the events leading to the death of Ifunanya ‘Nanyah’ Nwangene, who reportedly died following a snakebite in Lugbe, Abuja.
According to the account, an urgent message was posted at about 10:13 a.m. on the AMEMUSO Choir WhatsApp platform by a member identified as Stephanie, seeking immediate assistance around Jabi or the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja. Shortly after, it was confirmed that Ifunanya had been bitten by a snake.
Mr. Ezugwu said emergency arrangements were immediately made, with a member of the group, Vincent, proceeding to FMC, while others also headed to the hospital. By the time they arrived, medical personnel were already attending to Ifunanya. Doctors reportedly confirmed that she had arrived at the emergency unit on her own and had explained that she was bitten by a grey-coloured snake.
Medical sources at FMC indicated that she was placed on oxygen, given antivenom, and other treatments commenced. However, the attending doctor later disclosed that the hospital had exhausted supplies of Neostigmine and required additional doses of the medication already administered. Efforts were made to source the drug from a nearby pharmacy close to the National Hospital.
While the medication was being procured, the condition of the patient reportedly deteriorated. Resuscitation efforts were initiated by medical staff, but she was later confirmed dead.
Further information gathered from neighbours revealed that Ifunanya was bitten on the wrist while asleep in her residence between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. She reportedly sought help immediately and was first taken to a nearby private hospital, which referred her to FMC due to the absence of antivenom.
After her death, her body was deposited at the mortuary, embalmed, and prepared for transportation to Enugu, following the request of her father, Mr. Nwangene. A brief prayer session was later held at Guardian Angel Catholic Chapel, Lugbe, by the Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Biodun, before the remains were conveyed out of Abuja.
Subsequent inspection of the residence by a snake handler reportedly led to the discovery of a medium-sized cobra inside the room, as well as other snakes within the vicinity. The cobra was identified as the likely cause of the fatal bite.
Mr. Ezugwu stated that the account was released to clarify the sequence of events and address misinformation surrounding the incident, which has left members of the choir, friends, and associates deeply saddened.
