Abuja-based singer Ifunanya Nwangene, widely known as Nanyah, has passed away after being bitten by a snake at her home on Saturday.
Reports indicate that Nwangene sought urgent medical help at two hospitals but could not receive treatment because both facilities lacked anti-venom.
Amemuso Choir, where Nwangene was a member, confirmed her death in a social media post, expressing that she will be “deeply missed.”
“Amemuso Choir regrets to announce the sudden demise of our beloved soprano, Ifunanya Nwangene, who passed away on 31st January 2026 at the Federal Medical Centre due to snake bite,” the statement read. “A rising star, Ifunanya was at the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world. Her voice and spirit will be deeply missed.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/DUNwxpVjXSF/
Amemuso’s Music Director, Sam Ezugwu, recalled Nwangene’s final hours, describing her urgent struggle that ended in tragedy. He said he first learned of the situation after seeing a social media post from Nwangene requesting help at FMC.
“It was yesterday when I saw a post on her page asking if anyone was near FMC. I called the person with her, and they told me Ifunanya had been bitten by a snake,” he said. He rushed to the hospital and found Nwangene in serious distress. Medical staff told him that two doses of anti-venom were needed, but only one dose was available and had already been given.
“I drove 10 minutes to Skylark Pharmacy near National Hospital to get the second dose,” Ezugwu said. “As I was returning, her friend called to say Ifunanya had died. She passed away at 12:20 p.m.”
Ezugwu added that hospital officials confirmed that treatment was given immediately when she arrived at FMC but admitted there had been delays while she was seeking care.
“After the bite, Ifunanya first went to a hospital in Lugbe, but they didn’t have anti-venom. She then took a Bolt to FMC,” he said.
