The Voice Nigeria Singer Ifunanya Nwangene Dies After Snake Bite in Abuja
Singer Ifunanya Nwangene, who rose to prominence after appearing on The Voice Nigeria, has died after being bitten by a snake at her home in Abuja. She was 26.
Reports indicate that Nwangene was bitten while asleep in her apartment.
Bitten While Sleeping, Says Choir Leader
According to Sam Ezugwu, leader of the Amemuso Choir, where Nwangene was an active member, the singer was bitten on the wrist by a cobra.
Ezugwu said snake handlers later removed two snakes from her apartment, a moment captured in videos that have since circulated widely on social media.
In an emotional Facebook post, Ezugwu said Nwangene died in his arms as efforts were made to save her.
“I helplessly watched her die in my arms, and for the first time, I couldn’t come through for her,” he wrote.
Race Against Time for Medical Help
Nwangene’s close friend, Paschal Nworgu, said she was initially rushed to a nearby clinic following the bite. He claimed they were informed that antivenom was not available at the facility.
Nworgu told CNN that he later joined Ezugwu in rushing Nwangene to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Jabi, arriving around noon — approximately two hours after Nwangene sent a WhatsApp message saying she had been bitten.
“She was not talking,” Nworgu said. “She was only communicating through hand gestures.”
Hospital Details Treatment Efforts
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Federal Medical Centre confirmed that Nwangene was admitted with severe neurotoxic complications consistent with a snake bite.
The hospital said medical staff administered emergency treatment, including intravenous fluids, oxygen support, resuscitation efforts, and polyvalent snake antivenom. Despite these interventions, her condition deteriorated shortly before she was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other life-saving measures were performed, but she could not be revived.
Hospital Rejects Claims of Inaction
The FMC firmly denied claims circulating online that antivenom was unavailable or that treatment was delayed.
“We stand by the quality of care and dedication our team demonstrates daily,” the hospital said. “Claims of non-availability of anti-snake venom and inadequate response are unfounded.”
Industry Mourns Rising Talent
Nwangene’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief across Nigeria’s music community, with fans and fellow artists paying tribute to her voice, humility, and promise.
Her passing has also renewed public concern over emergency preparedness and access to life-saving treatment in snake bite cases.