“Ifunanya’s death is particularly troubling, especially given that it occurred in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. The fact that emergency medical care could fail so dramatically in what is supposed to be the most developed and resource-rich area of the country raises serious concerns about the overall healthcare system. It forces us to question what hope there is for rural communities in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Kogi, and Kwara Stata, where incidents of snakebites are even more frequent, yet access to healthcare services is significantly more limited.”
On January 31, I awoke to the heart-wrenching obituary of Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, shared on the WhatsApp page of the Guardian Angel Catholic Police Chapel in Lugbe, Abuja. The Public Relations Officer, Mr. John Matthew, expressed, “With a heavy heart and total submission to the will of God, I formally inform you of the untimely passing of one of our choir members, vocalist, and cherished parishioner, Miss Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, which occurred in the early hours of January 31, 2026.” He went on to extend, “We offer our deepest condolences to her immediate family, our beloved choir, and the parishioners of the Guardian Angel Catholic Police Chapel.” Initially, I thought I was dreaming, but upon reading the announcement again, I realized that Mr. John Matthew would not jest about such a serious matter in the parish WhatsApp group. The question is, who is Ifunanya Nwangene?
Ifunanya, a 26-year-old from Enugu State, graduated with a degree in architecture from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Before her untimely passing, she was an active member of the choir at the Guardian Angel Catholic Police Chapel in Lugbe, Abuja, where I served for five months. Known as a rising star, Ifunanya gained recognition for her performances on The Voice Nigeria and her captivating social media presence, where she showcased her vocal talent. Beyond participating on The Voice Nigeria, Ifunanya Nwangene was also a young Catholic singer with immense promise. Her angelic voice was a gift to the Church and served as a poignant reminder of a life cut short not only by fate but also by systemic failure. On the morning of January 31st, Ifunanya was bitten by a snake at her home. She quickly took a Bolt ride and sought urgent medical attention from a pharmacy and another hospital. Regrettably, she did not survive. Reports indicated that neither the pharmacy nor the hospital could identify the specific snake species that had bitten her, hindering their ability to administer the appropriate antivenom. Furthermore, by the time she arrived at the hospital, the venom had already caused considerable damage, resulting in her chances of survival being reduced to merely 50 percent. Her sudden death has once again highlighted the deficiencies in Nigeria’s emergency response system, even within the Federal Capital Territory.
The tragic death of Ifunanya from a snakebite in Abuja represents not only a profound loss for her family but also serves as a national indictment of Nigeria’s emergency healthcare system. The fact that such a preventable tragedy occurred in the Federal Capital Territory—home to the nation’s political leadership and some of its best-equipped hospitals—raises pressing concerns about our level of preparedness, responsiveness, and political will. Snakebites are well-known medical emergencies. The science is established, the treatment protocols are clear, and the critical intervention—timely administration of antivenom—is neither experimental nor exotic. Yet, Ifunanya’s case reveals a harsh reality: in Nigeria, survival during a medical emergency often hinges less on medical expertise and more on luck, accessibility, and personal resources.
Nigeria faces a significant public health challenge, recording thousands of snakebite cases every year. These incidents lead to hundreds of fatalities, many of which could potentially be avoided with timely medical intervention and effective treatment. The World Health Organization has recognized snakebite envenoming as a neglected tropical disease, emphasizing the urgent need for countries like Nigeria to enhance their emergency response systems to address this critical issue. Despite these recommendations, the situation on the ground remains largely unchanged. Access to vital antivenom is limited; it is often scarce, unevenly distributed among healthcare facilities, and prohibitively expensive for many individuals. This lack of availability hinders timely treatment, which is crucial for survival. Additionally, the emergency transport systems set up to help victims reach medical facilities are often unreliable, further delaying care. Compounding the issue is the weakness or absence of referral systems, which are essential for managing cases requiring specialized medical attention. As a result, many patients do not receive the help they need in time, exacerbating the already high rates of morbidity and mortality associated with snakebites in Nigeria.
Ifunanya’s death is particularly troubling, especially given that it occurred in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. The fact that emergency medical care could fail so dramatically in what is supposed to be the most developed and resource-rich area of the country raises serious concerns about the overall healthcare system. It forces us to question what hope there is for rural communities in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Kogi, and Kwara Stata, where incidents of snakebites are even more frequent, yet access to healthcare services is significantly more limited. This heartbreaking tragedy dismantles the comforting myths surrounding the supposed advantages of urban living, instead highlighting a healthcare system that is precarious and vulnerable, regardless of geographical location. It is a sobering reminder that the infrastructure meant to protect lives may be inadequate across the board, leaving many at risk in both urban centers and remote areas alike.
In addition to the critical role hospitals play in addressing snakebite incidents, the responsibility for managing this public health concern extends to various government agencies that focus on public health planning and environmental management. In many Nigerian cities, the rapid expansion of urban areas, coupled with inadequate waste management and uncontrolled vegetation growth, has led to a notable increase in encounters between humans and snakes. This rising trend poses significant risks to residents, particularly in densely populated regions. Despite the growing danger, public awareness campaigns to educate communities about snakebite prevention and appropriate first aid measures are largely lacking. As a result, when snakebite emergencies occur, many individuals find themselves unprepared and forced to rely on improvisation during critical moments. Regrettably, this often leads to the use of unsafe traditional remedies that can exacerbate the situation or to significant delays in seeking proper medical treatment. Such circumstances frequently result in dire outcomes that could have been mitigated with adequate knowledge and resources. Addressing the gap in public awareness and providing timely education could play a transformative role in saving lives and reducing the impact of snakebites in these urban settings.
Systemic deficiencies in infrastructure, a chronic lack of funding, and an overwhelming dependence on imported antivenom create significant obstacles to both research and treatment for snake envenomation in Nigerian teaching hospitals. This scenario highlights a critical reality: many of these medical facilities lack the resources and preparedness to undertake advanced research initiatives. The impact of snakebites in Nigeria is profound, with more than 20,000 individuals affected each year. However, only a handful of hospitals have established specialized units dedicated to treating snakebite victims. This scarcity of dedicated resources creates significant challenges not only for effective patient care but also for collecting and analyzing vital data that could inform future research and treatment options. As a result, medical students enrolled in these institutions often have limited practical opportunities to make meaningful contributions to snakebite treatment and research. This lack of exposure hinders their ability to develop the critical skills and knowledge needed to address this pressing public health issue. Without adequate infrastructure and support, both current and future healthcare professionals may struggle to make significant advances in managing snake envenomation, leaving a substantial gap in medical response efforts in Nigeria.
Editorial sympathy alone is insufficient to protect individuals from the devastating impacts of snakebites in Nigeria. The situation calls for immediate and decisive action to address this public health issue effectively. First, snakebite treatment needs to be urgently integrated into the national emergency care priorities. This can be accomplished by recognizing snakebite as a critical medical emergency that requires swift and specialized intervention. Moreover, both public and private hospitals must be mandated to maintain a well-stocked supply of antivenom appropriate for the region’s most common snake species. This will ensure that victims have timely access to the life-saving treatment they need upon arrival at medical facilities.
In tandem with improving hospital readiness, emergency medical services (EMS) should be significantly strengthened. This involves establishing and maintaining reliable ambulance networks that can swiftly transport snakebite victims to hospitals. Additionally, it is crucial to train EMS responders to recognize snakebite symptoms and provide basic first aid to stabilize patients during transport. Lastly, clear, actionable protocols for snakebite management must be developed and rigorously enforced. It is not enough for these protocols to exist on paper; healthcare workers must be trained to implement them effectively in real-life situations. This comprehensive approach will ultimately help to save lives and reduce the impact of snakebites across Nigeria.
Equally significant is the principle of accountability in addressing preventable tragedies. Each unnecessary loss of life, such as that of Ifunanya, demands a thorough investigation and clear answers. Authorities must carry out comprehensive inquiries to uncover any systemic failures or managerial oversights. This process is essential for identifying critical areas needing reform and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The ultimate aim is to foster a safer environment where such tragedies are averted, ensuring that every life is valued and protected. In a country where inefficiencies and neglect plague the healthcare system, citizens often succumb to treatable conditions that should have been managed with proper medical attention. This grim reality has led to a situation in which tragedy is not just an anomaly but a distressingly commonplace occurrence. If Ifunanya’s sudden death is allowed to slip by without prompting significant reform, it risks becoming yet another name on a long and sorrowful list of individuals whose lives were lost due to systemic failures. Nigeria now stands at a critical crossroads, facing the urgent need to decide whether this heartbreaking loss will be reduced to just another statistical entry—or if it will serve as a vital catalyst for change, driving a much-needed overhaul of a broken emergency care system that has long failed its citizens.
Dear Ifunanya, as you ascend to meet your creator, I humbly ask you to intercede for this country called Nigeria. Our nation needs deep healing, and your spirit can illuminate the path to change. We acknowledge the profound loss we have faced, particularly in a time when modern advancements should prevent such tragedies. In many developed countries, research and innovative medical solutions are actively being pursued to mitigate the dangers of snakebites, ensuring that no one suffers as you have. We, the people of Nigeria, seek your forgiveness. We have not prioritized environmental safety. Unfortunately, this oversight has left individuals like you vulnerable to circumstances that could have been avoided. I can only imagine the conditions of the compound in which you lived—one that unfortunately failed to provide the necessary barriers and protection from such dangers. The fact that a snake invaded your space is a stark reminder of how we have neglected our duty to ensure a safe living environment for all.
Furthermore, we sincerely seek your forgiveness, as some individuals among us have turned to superstition to explain the circumstances surrounding your passing. In various cultures, the appearance of a snake in someone’s room is often attributed to superstition. However, this is not necessarily the case. Snakes are more often found in our homes because our environment is conducive to breeding. Until we address the safety of our surroundings, we will continue to face tragedies like this. Therefore, we must prioritize discussions focused on improving our environment instead of succumbing to myths and unfounded beliefs. Ifunanya, your legacy has the power to inspire this much-needed change. May your memory motivate us to create a world where no one has to face such preventable losses again.
Rev. Ma, S.J., is a Jesuit priest and a public policy analyst. He currently writes from Abuja, Nigeria.
