Image: Ifunanya Nwangene via Instagram
By Newz.Africa Desk | Abuja, Nigeria | 2 February 2026 | Keyphrase: Nigerian singer snakebite
An aspiring Nigerian singer has died after being bitten by a snake inside her Abuja home. Ifunanya Nwangene was known for her voice and rising profile. She first appeared on The Voice Nigeria in 2021. Her death has caused shock across Nigeria.
Friends said she was asleep when the snake bit her. Two snakes were later found in the house. A snake handler removed one of them while neighbours shouted that it was a cobra. The incident happened on Saturday morning.
Struggle to get life‑saving antivenom
Nwangene rushed to a clinic near her home. Staff at the clinic said they did not have antivenom. She then went to a hospital for urgent care. There she received one type of antivenom, but the other needed treatment was missing. She struggled to breathe while doctors tried to stabilise her. She could not speak but made hand signs. Her friend and choir director searched for the missing antivenom at nearby pharmacies. When he returned, she had died.
Reports from multiple outlets confirm she also visited more than one hospital in search of treatment. She was unable to get the full care needed because the facilities lacked antivenom.
Community grief and questions about health care
Nwangene’s death has touched many people. Friends described her as humble, talented, and intelligent. They said everyone was shattered after hearing the news. She had been preparing for her first solo concert.
The tragedy has renewed debate about Nigeria’s health care system. Many Nigerians are shocked that a singer living in an upmarket part of Abuja could not get antivenom fast enough. The World Health Organization says Africa records hundreds of thousands of snakebite cases each year. Many hospitals do not have enough antivenom and often turn patients away.
Her death also comes as the government responds to new accusations of medical negligence nationwide. Nigeria’s health minister has acknowledged major gaps in patient safety. A national task force on clinical governance is now being set up.
Original Reporting
What we confirmed:
- We reviewed reports from BBC Africa, The News Chronicle, Sahara Reporters, TheCable, and other local outlets.
- We confirmed the timeline of hospital visits and antivenom shortages.
- We verified statements from friends and choir members quoted in reports.
- We checked WHO context on snakebites in Africa.
- No direct response was received from Abuja health authorities at publication time.
Sources
- BBC Africa reporting on Nwangene’s death.
- The News Chronicle report confirming antivenom shortages.
- Sahara Reporters coverage on hospital refusals.
- TheCable report on treatment delays.
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