Singer Ifunanya Nwangene Dies from Snakebite in Abuja

Ifunanya Nwangene, a 26-year-old singer and former contestant on The Voice Nigeria, died on January 31 after being bitten by a snake while sleeping in her home in Abuja, Nigeria's capital.

Nwangene, who performed under the stage name Nanyah, was asleep in her residence in the Lugbe area early that Saturday morning when the bite occurred, according to friends and choir members. She awoke in pain and sought initial treatment at a nearby clinic, which lacked antivenom. She was then transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi, where she passed away later that day despite medical efforts.

Witnesses reported that two snakes, identified as cobras, were discovered in her home. Videos shared on social media showed handlers removing the reptiles, with one person heard exclaiming, "It's a cobra." Animal control officials were called to the scene to secure the property.

Friends described Nwangene's condition upon arrival at the hospital as critical. Sam Ezugwu, music director of the Amemuso Choir where Nwangene sang as a soprano, told reporters that she could not speak or breathe easily but managed to make hand gestures. He said the facility had only one of the two antivenoms required...