Management of the Federal Medical Centre in Abuja has issued a detailed public explanation of the medical care provided to Ifunanya Nwagene, the promising soprano known as Nanyah, who died on Saturday from complications arising from a snake bite.
The hospital’s account, released Sunday evening, comes a day after the Amemuso Choir, where Nwagene performed, confirmed her passing and described it as a profound blow to the capital city’s vibrant music community.
Nwagene, a rising talent recognised for her soprano voice, was a member of the Amemuso Choir, a respected ensemble that has contributed significantly to Abuja’s classical and choral scene over the years. The choir announced her death in a statement posted on its official Facebook page and signed by Music Director Sam Ezugwu.
The statement paid tribute to her potential, noting that she was “a rising star” who “was on the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world.” It added: “Her voice and spirit will be deeply missed.” Burial arrangements, the choir said, would be communicated in due course.
In its separate press release, the FMC extended condolences to Nwagene’s family, acknowledging the difficulty of losing a loved one and assuring them that the hospital’s thoughts were with them during this trying period.
The hospital outlined the sequence of events following Nwagene’s arrival at the facility. Medical staff, it said, responded immediately, delivering a range of interventions that included resuscitation, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and the administration of polyvalent snake antivenom.
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“Our medical staff provided immediate and appropriate treatment, including resuscitation efforts, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and the administration of polyvalent snake antivenom,” the release stated.
According to the hospital, a rapid assessment revealed that Nwagene had developed severe neurotoxic complications from the bite. Efforts were made to stabilise her for transfer to the Intensive Care Unit, but her condition worsened abruptly moments before the move.
Staff then performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other advanced life-support measures, but these proved unsuccessful.
“After a thorough but quick evaluation, it was clear that Ms Nwagene suffered severe neurotoxic complications from the snake bite,” the statement read. “Despite all efforts to stabilise her condition and transfer her to the Intensive Care Unit for further treatment, she experienced a sudden deterioration just before the transfer. Our team of professionals worked diligently to provide CPR and other life-saving measures; however, despite these efforts, we were unable to revive her.”
The release directly addressed allegations that had surfaced on social media suggesting the hospital lacked anti-snake venom or had responded inadequately. Management described those claims as “unfounded and do not reflect the reality of the situation,” emphasising that the required medication was available and promptly administered.
FMC authorities reiterated their dedication to transparent practices and high standards of patient care, while encouraging the public to seek verified information rather than rely on unconfirmed online reports. The hospital also indicated its readiness to provide additional clarification if required.
Snake bites remain a notable public health concern in Nigeria, particularly in areas where venomous species are prevalent. Medical facilities across the country, including tertiary institutions like the FMC Abuja, maintain stocks of antivenom and protocols for managing such emergencies, though outcomes can vary depending on the timeliness of treatment and the severity of envenomation.
