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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving snakebite prevention, emergency response, and antivenom availability across the territory, following the recent death of aspiring singer Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene from neurotoxic complications of a snakebite.
In a press release issued on February 2, 2026, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, expressed profound condolences to the family of Ms Nwangene, describing her passing as “deeply painful and distressing.”
She emphasised that the loss of such a promising young life underscores the urgent need to treat snakebites as a preventable public health emergency.
Ms Nwangene, a 26-year-old former contestant on The Voice Nigeria and a soprano with the Amemuso Choir, died on January 31, 2026, after being bitten by a venomous snake, reportedly a cobra, while asleep in her Abuja residence.
Her death sparked widespread public outrage and discussions about emergency healthcare access, including initial reports alleging delays or shortages of antivenom at medical facilities.
The incident highlighted broader concerns about snakebite management in Nigeria, even within the capital’s urban areas.
Dr Fasawe stressed that snakebites are largely preventable, noting that venomous species such as cobras, vipers, and puff adders are common in Nigeria.
Snakes often enter human dwellings in search of food or shelter, increasing encounters in farms, grasslands, rainforests, and residential areas.
The FCTA urged residents to adopt key preventive measures, including:
– Wearing protective clothing in farms or tall grass
– Using flashlights at night and avoiding dark areas
– Clearing debris around homes and sealing entry points
– Never attempting to handle snakes
In cases of a bite, the administration advised immediate first aid: remaining calm, immobilising the affected limb below heart level, removing constrictive items (such as jewellery or tight clothing), gently cleaning the wound, and rushing to a hospital equipped with antivenom.
It strongly warned against harmful traditional practices like cutting or sucking the wound, applying tourniquets, ice, or herbal remedies.
To address treatment concerns, Dr Fasawe reassured the public that polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms are widely stocked and maintained in FCTA-owned hospitals and public health facilities.
Stocking is informed by collaboration with veterinary experts to match prevalent snake species in the FCT.
Antivenoms are centrally stored at the Abuja Central Medical Stores under strict quality and cold-chain controls to ensure availability and efficacy.
The release acknowledged that while early antivenom administration is critical, it may not guarantee recovery in advanced neurotoxic cases, highlighting the importance of rapid evacuation and response.
The FCTA has bolstered secondary prevention efforts through expanded road networks and the recent deployment of 12 new ambulances equipped for emergencies.
Hospitals offer comprehensive care, including antivenom administration, monitoring for reactions, supportive treatment, and tertiary services such as ICU admission, airway management, coagulation monitoring, and blood transfusions.
Dr Fasawe emphasised strict adherence to approved clinical protocols in all healthcare facilities, public and private, with intensified monitoring and sanctions for negligence.
For emergencies, residents were directed to contact the FCT Emergency Medical System and Ambulance Services at 090157892931 or 090157892932.
The FCTA reiterated its resolve to strengthen emergency systems, enforce healthcare standards, and safeguard residents’ lives, positioning the incident as a catalyst for sustained improvements in snakebite management across the Federal Capital Territory.