Tragic Death of Nigerian Rising Star Ifunanya Nwangene After Cobra Bite
The Nigerian music community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Ifunanya Nwangene, a 26-year-old aspiring singer whose promising career was tragically cut short after she was bitten by a cobra in her apartment in the capital city of Abuja. The young artist, who had been on the cusp of stardom following her appearance on The Voice Nigeria in 2021, passed away despite frantic efforts to save her life.
Who Was Ifunanya Nwangene?
Ifunanya Nwangene was a talented vocalist known for her powerful voice that seamlessly blended elements of jazz, opera, soul, and classical music. She gained significant attention after showcasing her skills on the popular television show The Voice Nigeria, where she impressed judges and audiences alike. Beyond her musical pursuits, Nwangene was also a trained architect, demonstrating her multifaceted talents.
As a member of the Amemuso Choir, she was often referred to as a "rising star" within Nigeria's vibrant music scene. She had been actively planning her first solo concert scheduled for this year, which was eagerly anticipated by fans and industry insiders. Her sudden death has left a void in the artistic community that admired her potential and dedication.
How Did the Tragic Incident Unfold?
The fatal incident occurred while Nwangene was asleep in her Abuja apartment. According to her friend Hillary Obinna, who spoke to the BBC, the bite from the cobra woke her up. Shockingly, two snakes were later discovered in her home, with social media videos capturing the dramatic moment when a handler removed a cobra amid screams of "It is a cobra!" in the background.
After being bitten, Nwangene was initially taken to a nearby clinic, but it lacked the necessary antivenom to treat her condition. She was subsequently transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi, Abuja, in hopes of receiving proper medical attention. However, the situation quickly deteriorated due to critical shortages of life-saving treatments.
Painful Final Moments in Hospital
Friend and Amemuso Choir co-founder Sam Ezugwu rushed to the hospital upon hearing the news. He described her agonizing final moments to the BBC, stating, "While they were trying to stabilise her, she could not speak, but she could make hand gestures. She was struggling to breathe." Ezugwu revealed that the hospital had only one type of antivenom available but lacked the other required serum.
In a desperate attempt to save her life, Ezugwu searched for the missing antivenom but returned too late. Members of the Amemuso Choir visited the hospital, clinging to hope for a miracle, but Nwangene succumbed to the venomous bite, leaving her loved ones and fans devastated.
Snakebite Crisis in Nigeria
Nwangene's death in upscale Abuja has stunned many Nigerians, as snakebite victims are typically from rural areas where such incidents are more common. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa experiences between 435,000 and 580,000 snakebites annually, resulting in nearly 30,000 deaths. This crisis is exacerbated by severe shortages of antivenom, high costs of treatment, and poor storage facilities.
In Nigeria specifically, approximately 2,000 snakebite-related deaths occur each year, though many cases go unreported due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure and limited access to medical services. Nwangene's tragic passing highlights the urgent need for improved antivenom availability and public health measures to prevent similar fatalities in the future.
