The tragic death of fast-rising singer Ifunanya Nwangene, who died at the weekend after being bitten by a snake in Lugbe, Abuja, has sparked widespread fear and concern among residents of the Federal Capital Territory.

The 26-year-old singer, who featured in Season 3 of The Voice Nigeria, was reportedly taken to two separate hospitals in search of urgent medical care, but was left without treatment after both facilities were said to lack the required anti-venom.

The Guardian reports that Nwangene’s death marks the third fatal incident in Abuja in which a snake bite has claimed the life of a resident.

In 2021, a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) operative, Lance Corporal Bercy Ogah died after a venomous snake bit her in the toilet of her accommodation at a NAF base on Bill Clinton Drive. She later died at the NAF hospital in Abuja after complications from the bite.

Also in 2015, a young man in Yangoji community in Kwali Area Council, reportedly died from a snake bite while hunting near a stream. He was taken to a local clinic but later died.

A resident of Lugbe who spoke to our reporter, expressed fears that she no longer sleeps with her two eyes closed following the latest incident.

Tina Adeyemi added that the repeated incidents have heightened anxiety among residents, many of whom now worry about their safety, particularly at night. “Since we heard about what happened to that young lady, everyone around here has been living in fear. You don’t know where these snakes are hiding anymore. Even inside the house, you’re not at peace,” she said.

Another resident, John Nduka, called on relevant authorities to urgently intensify environmental sanitation efforts and strengthen emergency health response systems across the FCT.

He noted that overgrown bushes, poor waste management and inadequate drainage have created safe havens for snakes and other dangerous reptiles, stressing that routine clearing of public spaces and residential areas would go a long way in reducing such threats.

Nduka also urged government agencies to ensure that hospitals, especially public health facilities, are adequately equipped with life-saving essentials like anti-venom and trained medical personnel to handle snake bite emergencies.

According to him, timely access to proper treatment could mean the difference between life and death, adding that the recent tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for authorities to prioritise public safety and healthcare preparedness in the country’s capital.

On her part, Femi Omotayo, a resident of Karu, revealed that while two snakes were killed in her former resident, none has been seen in her new area so far.

According to her, her former resident was near a swampy area, stressing that her new neighbourhood is filled with cats. This, she hinted could be responsible for the absence of snakes and other reptiles.

A resident of Sunnyvale Estate Lokogoma, also raised the alarm over the infestation of reptiles in his estate, noting that not long ago, a huge python was killed in the estate.

A journalist who resides in the estate but wouldn’t want his name in print, told our reporter that he has so far killed two snakes in his apartment alone. (Guardian)