By JKNewsMedia Reporter
FRESH CONCERNS over snake safety in homes and neighbourhoods have followed the death of Abuja-based music talent, Ms. Ifunanya Nwangene after a snakebite, as health experts and authorities promptly detailed preventive measures and urgent actions required when bites occur.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that Nwangene, a soprano singer with a music group named Amemuso Choir, died on Saturday at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, after sustaining a cobra sting in her bedroom.
One of her choir members and Music Director, Sam Ezugwu, confirmed her death in a statement which reads: “We regret to announce the sudden demise of our beloved soprano, Ifunanya Nwangene, who passed away yesterday, January 31, 2026, at the Federal Medical Centre following a snakebite,” the statement read in part.
Describing her death as a major loss to Abuja’s growing music community, music director said Nwangene was a rising star who was close to gaining wider recognition for her talent.
“Ifunanya was on the cusp of sharing her incredible gift with the world. Her voice and spirit will be deeply missed,” the statement adding that her burial arrangements would be announced later.
Consequently, health experts have promptly warned that snakes often bite when startled or threatened, both during the day and at night, and note that their venom can be fatal if victims do not receive immediate medical attention.
They, however, reiterate that snakebite remains a major public health challenge in rural and semi urban communities across Nigeria and other tropical regions.
They also estimate that about 2,000 people die from snakebites annually in Nigeria, with many more suffering long term complications.
The experts then advise Nigerians to learn how to take preventive measures to reduce the presence of snakes around their homes.
They recommend healthy measures such as:
1. Clearing bushes and cutting grass short around houses, stating that snakes avoid open, exposed areas where they can be easily seen.
2. Regular inspection of houses, especially gaps under doors, and sealing cracks in walls, foundations and floors.
3. Moving wood piles away from the house because they provide ideal hiding spots for snakes.
4. Ensuring that doors and windows are not habitually left opened for long periods, especially in the evening, as some snakes can climb quietly and unnoticed.
5. Shaded areas should also be checked before resting outdoors because snakes are attracted to cool, shaded environments.
6. Inspecting beds and surroundings before sleeping, including under sheets and mattresses.
7. Sitting or sleeping outside on mats or mattresses in the evening, when snakes are more active, should be avoided.
8. Having approved snake repellents handy that may be used where necessary.
While stressing that snakebites often occur when snakes are startled or threatened and can happen both during the day and at night, health experts cautioned that without prompt medical attention, snake venom can be fatal.
They note that if bitten by any type of snake, following immediate measures can be taken to prevent the situation from worsening; namely:
- Giving pain relief medication to the victim to help manage severe local pain and calm the victim.
- Site of the bite should be gently wiped but not cut or incised to curb worsening bleeding.
- Victims should quickly remove and unloose tight items such as rings, bracelets, shoes or clothing off the bitten area.
- Remedies such as traditional or herbal treatments or unverified first-aid methods should be strictly avoided.
- Bitten victims should be quickly taken to a health facility immediately for proper medical care.
- Should vomiting occur, bitten victim must be placed on the left side of the body in the recovery position.
- Also, breathing and airway should be monitored closely and assistance provided if necessary
However, if the snake has been killed, it should be taken along to the hospital for identification to guide treatment.
Health experts noted that movement of the victim should be kept to a minimum, especially of the bitten limb, to slow the spread of venom as they added that a snake antivenom should be obtained at any approved federal or state government hospital.
Also, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Standards of Management of Snake Bites states that it is a time-critical medical emergency and that what happens in the first minutes and hours often determines survival.
The WHO guidance notes that many traditional practices are not only ineffective but dangerous.
It states that first-aid should begin immediately at the site of the bite, either by the victim or bystanders, with clear goals to slow the spread of venom, prevent respiratory failure and shock, and move the patient to medical care without delay.
