Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja has strongly rejected widespread social media reports that it was negligent or lacked anti-snake venom when singer Ifunanya “Nanyah” Lucy Nwangene died following a snake bite at her home in the Federal Capital Territory on January 31, 2026.
Gatekeepers News reports that the hospital insisted that all necessary emergency care was provided and that claims of a shortage of anti-venom are unfounded.
Nwangene, a fast-rising Nigerian musician, first gained recognition on The Voice Nigeriaand was known for blending classical, jazz, RnB, and soul music.
After being bitten by a snake in her Lugbe residence, she rushed to medical facilities but reportedly faced difficulty accessing prompt treatment, with some earlier reports saying she was turned away from a clinic and another hospital before arriving at FMC.
Despite being given anti-venom and other emergency care at FMC, her condition deteriorated rapidly due to severe neurotoxic complications, and she later died.
In a formal statement signed by Dr Bioku Muftau, Head of Clinical Services at FMC Abuja, the hospital said that Nwangene was immediately attended to when she arrived and received resuscitation efforts, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and polyvalent snake anti-venom as part of standard emergency protocols.
The statement explained that doctors began preparations to transfer her to the Intensive Care Unit when her condition suddenly worsened and she could not be revived despite attempts including cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
The management described claims of negligence or a shortage of anti-venom as misleading and not reflective of the actual events.
The hospital also offered condolences to Nwangene’s family and urged the public to depend on verified and credible information rather than speculation on social platforms.
The tragic incident has sparked broader public debate about access to essential medicines and emergency healthcare services in Nigeria.
