The Federal Capital Territory Administration has assured residents that antivenom is readily available in all FCTA-owned hospitals and public health centers, following the death of singer Ifunanya Nwangene on Saturday.
The death of Nwangene, which triggered public outrage and allegations of medical negligence, prompted the FCTA to clarify the availability of life-saving treatment for snakebites cases.
In a statement issued on Monday night, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, urged residents to remain calm, assuring that the territory has adequate supplies 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.
“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 statement followed claims that Nwangene was unable to access antivenom when she was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi. The hospital, however, dismissed the allegations, stating that its medical team responded promptly and provided appropriate care on her arrival.
Management of the FMC said Nwagene suffered severe neurotoxic complications resulting from the snake bite. It explained that after a swift but comprehensive evaluation, efforts were made to stabilize her and prepare her for transfer to the Intensive Care Unit. However, her condition reportedly worsened suddenly before the transfer could take place.
The statement added that medical personnel administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other life-saving measures but all efforts to revive her were unsuccessful.
While condoling with the family, Fasawe urged residents to take the incident as a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness.
“The loss of a promising young life is deeply painful and distressing. I share in the family’s grief and reaffirm that such medically preventable deaths must be taken seriously, with strengthened measures to prevent recurrence,” she said.
She described snakebites as a preventable public health threat, warning that venomous species such as cobras, vipers, and puff adders are common in both urban and peri-urban areas of the FCT.
“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.
“In Nigeria, highly venomous species such as cobras, vipers, and puff adders are present. As a rule, all snakebites must be treated as venomous until proven otherwise,” she said.
Fasawe also provided guidance on immediate steps to take after a snakebite.
She advised, “All FCT residents are urged to adopt primary prevention measures, including wearing protective clothing when in farms or tall grass, avoiding dark areas or using flashlights at night, clearing debris around homes, sealing entry points, and never handling snakes.
“In the event of a bite, immediate first aid includes staying calm, immobilizing the affected limb below heart level, removing constrictive items, gently cleaning the wound, and proceeding immediately to a hospital with antivenom.”
She cautioned against dangerous practices such as cutting or sucking the wound, applying tourniquets, ice, or herbal remedies, emphasizing 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.
“Hospitals provide antivenom administration, immobilization (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.”
She added that public and private hospitals would face consequences for failing to adhere to established emergency protocols.
“I want to reaffirm 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.”
Residents were urged to rely on official emergency numbers for ambulance services. “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.”
