Following singer Ifunanya Nwangene’s death on Saturday, the Federal Capital Territory Administration has reassured locals that antivenom is readily available and fully stocked in all healthcare facilities owned by the FCTA.
The FCTA clarified the availability of life-saving snakebite therapy in response to Nwangene’s death, which provoked public indignation and accusations of medical malpractice.
In a statement released on Monday night, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, urged locals to keep composure and emphasised that the region has adequate supply of both polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms.
She explained, “Different forms and types of anti-snake venom are widely available across FCTA-owned hospitals and public health facilities.
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“Stocking decisions are guided by collaboration with veterinary doctors, who help identify the most common snake species (venom strains) in the FCT.
“Accordingly, polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms are maintained, centrally stored in FCTA-owned Abuja Central Medical Stores, and directly managed by the Secretariat to ensure quality, cold-chain integrity, and availability.”
Fasawe’s remarks came after reports that Nwangene was taken to the Federal Medical Center in Jabi and was unable to obtain antivenom. However, the hospital denied these claims, stating that its medical staff acted quickly upon Nwagene’s arrival and gave him timely, suitable treatment.
According to FMC management, Nwagene’s snake bite caused serious neurotoxic side effects. According to the statement, attempts were undertaken to stabilise her condition and get her ready for transport to the Intensive Care Unit after a quick but comprehensive review. But shortly before the relocation, her health apparently abruptly worsened.
The statement further added that medical personnel carried out cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other life-saving measures but were unable to revive her.
Condoling with the family, Fasawe urged residents to use the tragedy as a learning moment for emergency preparedness.
She warned that poisonous species like cobras, vipers, and puff adders are common in both urban and peri-urban areas of the FCT and identified snakebites as an avoidable public health issue.
“Snakebites remain a largely preventable public health emergency. Snakes inhabit rainforests, grasslands, farms, and semi-arid areas, and often hide near human dwellings in search of food or shelter—leading to increased human-snake encounters.
Additionally, she warned against dangerous practices such as cutting or sucking the wound, applying tourniquets, ice, or herbal remedies, emphasising that “Prompt treatment is critical. While antivenom is most effective when administered early, its use does not guarantee recovery, particularly where neurotoxic symptoms have already manifested, underscoring the need for rapid evacuation.”
Highlighting the FCTA’s investment in emergency response, the mandate secretary said, “To reduce response times, the FCTA has strengthened secondary prevention through expanded road networks and the recent procurement and deployment of 12 ambulances, equipped to manage emergencies.
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“Hospitals provide antivenom administration, immobilisation (without tourniquets), monitoring for adverse reactions, and supportive care. Tertiary care, including ICU admission, airway management, coagulation monitoring, and blood transfusion services, is available across FCT hospitals.”
“I want to reiterate that all healthcare facilities, public and private, must adhere strictly to approved clinical protocols. Monitoring and enforcement will be intensified, and facilities found negligent will face sanctions.”
“For emergencies, residents should contact FCT Emergency Medical System and Ambulance Services Numbers – 090157892931, 090157892932. The FCTA remains resolute in strengthening emergency systems, enforcing quality healthcare standards, and protecting the lives of all residents of the Federal Capital Territory,” she added
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