FMC Abuja Clarifies Circumstances Around Singer Ifunanya Nwangene’s Death
Dr. Saad Ahmed, Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Jabi, Abuja, has addressed the death of 26-year-old singer Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah, who passed away on February 3 following a cobra bite at her home.
Speaking on Saturday during the Senate Committee on Health’s 2026 budget defence, Ahmed explained that the late arrival of the victim significantly reduced the effectiveness of treatment, despite the hospital having and administering anti-snake venom.
“She presented to our hospital over two hours after she was bitten by that cobra, and by that time, she had already started manifesting systemic envenomation,” Ahmed said. “Contrary to social media claims that we didn’t have anti-venom, two doses were promptly given — first via infusion and then another dose. But the venom had already gone systemic.”
Ahmed emphasized the importance of early intervention, noting that anti-venoms are most effective when administered within 10 to 15 minutes of a bite. He also dismissed allegations of negligence, stating that FMC Abuja had anti-snake venom in stock, a fully prepared emergency team, and top-notch services.
The tragic incident has prompted calls from the Senate for the FCTA and state governments to establish a coordinated emergency referral and response system to link public and private hospitals for timely medical treatment.
Opinion:
Nwangene’s death is a stark reminder of how critical timing is in medical emergencies, especially in cases involving venomous bites. While social media narratives often amplify allegations of negligence, FMC Abuja’s clarification suggests that infrastructure and public awareness of emergency procedures are just as crucial as hospital preparedness.
This tragedy underscores the urgent need for a nationwide emergency response network that ensures victims can receive life-saving treatment within the golden window. Beyond individual accountability, it highlights systemic gaps that, if addressed, could prevent similar losses in the future and save countless lives.
