Singer Ifunanya Nwangene dies in tragic snake bite in Abuja

Ifunanya Nwangene snake bite tragedy shocks Abuja as The Voice Nigeria alumna dies after delayed access to antivenom

Aspiring singer Ifunanya Nwangene, a former contestant on The Voice Nigeria and member of the Amemuso Choir, has died after suffering a snake bite at her home in the Federal Capital Territory.

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The 26-year-old passed away on Saturday at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, following complications linked to the incident.

Amemuso Choir confirmed the death in a statement shared on social media, describing Nwangene as a gifted soprano whose voice and spirit would be “deeply missed”.

The statement said Nwangene died on 31 January after being bitten by a snake and receiving emergency medical attention.

Videos circulating online showed a snake handler removing a reptile from the property as distressed onlookers shouted that it was a cobra.

A close friend, Hillary Obinna, said Nwangene had been asleep when the bite woke her, adding that two snakes were later found in the house.

Nwangene initially sought help at a nearby clinic but was referred to a hospital because antivenom was unavailable.

Sam Ezugwu, co founder and music director of the Amemuso Choir, told the BBC that although the hospital had one type of required antivenom, it did not have the second dose needed for treatment.

Ezugwu said Nwangene was conscious but unable to speak clearly while doctors attempted to stabilise her.

He left the hospital in search of the missing antivenom but returned to the devastating news that she had died. The BBC said it had contacted the hospital for comment.

Friends and choir members gathered at the hospital that evening, holding on to hope. Obinna described Nwangene as humble, intelligent and exceptionally talented, saying the loss had left everyone shattered.

Nwangene, who trained as an architect, had been planning her first solo concert later this year.

Her unique blend of jazz, opera, classical music and soul had earned her admiration from audiences since her appearance on The Voice Nigeria in 2021.

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The Ifunanya Nwangene snake bite incident has sparked grief among fans and renewed concern over access to emergency antivenom treatment in critical situations.

Quadri Olaitan