The Voice Nigeria Singer Ifunanya Nwangene Dies After Snake Bite in Abuja

Ifunanya Nwangene, a young Nigerian singer who touched many hearts with her performance of Rihanna’s “Take a Bow” on The Voice Nigeria, has died after being bitten by a snake. She was 26.

The incident happened on Saturday at her home in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. According to Sam Ezugwu, leader of the Amemuso Choir, Nwangene was sleeping when a cobra bit her on the wrist.

Videos shared on social media later showed a snake handler removing a medium-sized snake from her apartment. Ezugwu said that two snakes were taken out in total.

Her closest friend, Paschal Nworgu, described the heartbreaking final moments. “She died in my hands,” he said.

Nworgu told CNN that after the bite, Nwangene first went to a nearby clinic. However, she was told the clinic did not have antivenom. She then contacted him on WhatsApp to say she had been bitten by a snake.

About two hours later, Nworgu arrived at Federal Medical Center, Jabi with Ezugwu. By then, Nwangene was struggling to breathe.

“She was not talking. She was only giving hand gestures,” Nworgu said, adding that doctors were trying to stabilize her.

Ezugwu said the hospital gave Nwangene one dose of antivenom, but claimed another required dose was not available at the time. He said he went out to search for more antivenom, only to be told shortly afterward that she had died.

The hospital has strongly denied running out of antivenom and defended its care. In a statement released on Sunday, the medical center said its staff acted quickly and professionally when Nwangene arrived.

According to the hospital, she was already suffering from severe neurotoxic complications caused by the snake bite. Doctors administered treatment, including intravenous fluids, oxygen, and polyvalent snake antivenom.

The statement said Nwangene suddenly deteriorated just before she could be moved to the Intensive Care Unit. Despite CPR and other life-saving efforts, doctors were unable to save her.

“We stand by the quality of care and dedication our team demonstrates daily,” the hospital said, calling claims of inadequate treatment “unfounded.”

Nwangene’s death has sparked sadness and anger online, with many fans mourning a talented young singer whose life ended far too soon.