Death by Snakebite in Abuja: The Tragedy of Ifunanya Nwangene and the Dangerous Myths We Must Abandon

The death of Ifunanya Nwangene, a former The Voice Nigeria contestant, at just 26 years old has left Nigeria grieving—and arguing. Beyond the shock of losing a young, talented woman, her passing has reopened old fears, folk beliefs, and uncomfortable questions about emergency medical care in Nigeria.

According to BBC Africa, Nwangene was bitten by a snake in her apartment in Abuja. A friend told the BBC that she was asleep when “the snake bite woke her up.” Videos later circulated on social media showing a snake being removed from the premises, as terrified voices screamed, “It’s a cobra.”

What followed was a race against time—one that she tragically lost.

But to truly honour her memory, we must separate facts from folklore, and medical reality from long-held myths that continue to cost lives.

Snakes in Homes: Myth or Reality?

There is a popular belief in Nigeria that stories of snakes living with humans—sometimes in the same room or toilet—are mere folklore. Unfortunately, this is not true.

Snakes are not mystical beings; they are animals responding to environment and shelter. In urban centres like Abuja, snakes can enter homes through:

• drainage and sewage systems

• overgrown compounds

• ceiling spaces and storage areas

• bathrooms and toilets

A few years ago, a female Nigerian Air Force officer reportedly died after being bitten by a snake that emerged from her toilet. Similar incidents have been documented across the country.

This is not witchcraft. It is ecology.

 

What Happened to Ifunanya Nwangene

Based on accounts shared with the BBC:

• After the bite, she was first taken to a nearby clinic that did not have antivenom

• She was then taken to a hospital where doctors tried to stabilise her

• She reportedly could not speak, could only make hand gestures, and was struggling to breathe

• According to her friend, Sam Ezugwu, the hospital allegedly had only one of the two antivenoms required

• While efforts were being made to find the second antivenom, she passed away

If the snake was indeed a cobra, this detail is crucial. Cobra venom is primarily neurotoxic, meaning it attacks the nervous system, often leading to respiratory failure if treatment is delayed.

 

The Dangerous Myths Being Shared Online

In the aftermath, social media has been flooded with claims that:

• charcoal or bitter kola could have saved her

• tying a rope or cloth would stop venom circulation

• “magic stones” can draw out venom

These beliefs are not just false—they are dangerous.

❌ Charcoal, bitter kola, herbs

There is no scientific evidence that any food or herbal substance neutralizes snake venom. None.

❌ Magic stones

Pure myth. Venom spreads internally through the lymphatic and blood systems. No stone can extract it.

⚠️ Tight tourniquets (rope or cloth)

This is especially risky. Tight tying can:

• cut off blood supply

• cause tissue death

• lead to sudden venom flooding when released

Modern medicine does not recommend tight tourniquets for snakebites.

What Proper Snakebite First Aid Looks Like

Medical science is clear on this:

1. Keep the victim calm and completely still
   Panic and movement speed up venom spread.

2. Immobilise the bitten limb
   Keep it below heart level. Use a splint if possible.

3. Apply pressure immobilisation (not tight tying)
   A firm bandage—snug but not cutting blood flow—can slow venom movement.

4. Get to a hospital equipped with antivenom immediately
   And critically: do not drive yourself if it can be avoided. Muscle movement accelerates venom circulation.

How Much Time Does a Snakebite Victim Have?

It depends on:

• the type of snake

• the amount of venom injected

• where the bite occurred

• how quickly treatment begins

For cobra bites:

• symptoms can appear within 30 minutes to 2 hours

• breathing failure can occur within 2–6 hours

• without antivenom, survival chances drop sharply

Time is everything.

The Hard Question: Was the Medical Response Enough?

This is the most uncomfortable part of the conversation.

If a patient arrives at a hospital with a confirmed snakebite and is:

• struggling to breathe

• unable to speak

• showing neurological symptoms

Then that patient should be treated as a critical emergency.

Even if antivenom is unavailable, standard medical protocol requires:

• admission and close monitoring

• airway and breathing support

• stabilisation

• urgent referral or coordinated transfer

Allowing—or forcing—a snakebite victim to move around the city in search of antivenom is not consistent with best emergency medical practice. Snakebite is comparable to stroke or cardiac arrest: you don’t send the patient away to “find help.”

A Systemic Problem, Not Just a Personal Tragedy

Ifunanya Nwangene’s death highlights:

• poor availability of antivenom in urban hospitals

• weak emergency referral systems

• misinformation overpowering medical knowledge

• overreliance on folklore in life-or-death situations

Snakebite is classified by the WHO as a neglected tropical disease, and Nigeria remains one of the most affected countries.

Final Thoughts

Snakes are not spiritual myths.
Venom does not respond to belief or tradition.
And survival depends on speed, stillness, and proper medical care.

If anything must come from this devastating loss, let it be awareness—so that the next person bitten does not lose precious time to dangerous myths or system failures.

May Ifunanya Nwangene rest in peace.
And may her story save others.