The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has assured residents that antivenom supplies remain fully stocked and accessible across all FCTA-owned hospitals and public health centres, following the death of singer Ifunanya Nwangene on Saturday.
Nwangene’s passing triggered widespread public concern and allegations of medical negligence, particularly claims that antivenom was unavailable when she was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi.
In response, the FCTA moved to clarify the situation and calm public anxiety.
In a statement issued Monday night, February 2, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, stressed that the territory maintains adequate stocks of both polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms to address snakebite emergencies.
“Different forms and types of anti-snake venom are widely available across FCTA-owned hospitals and public health facilities,” Fasawe said, explaining that stocking decisions are informed by collaboration with veterinary experts who identify common venomous snake species in the FCT.
She added that antivenoms are centrally stored at the Abuja Central Medical Stores and managed directly by the Secretariat to ensure quality control, cold-chain integrity, and consistent availability.
The clarification followed FMC Jabi’s rejection of claims that Nwangene was denied treatment. According to the hospital’s management, the singer suffered severe neurotoxic complications from the snakebite.
Medical staff reportedly stabilised her condition and prepared her for transfer to the Intensive Care Unit before her health deteriorated suddenly. Despite resuscitation efforts, she could not be revived.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, Fasawe described the loss as deeply painful and urged residents to use the tragedy as a lesson in emergency preparedness.
“Such medically preventable deaths must be taken seriously, with strengthened measures to prevent recurrence,” she said.
She further warned that snakebites remain a significant but preventable public health threat, noting that venomous species such as cobras, vipers and puff adders are common in both urban and peri-urban areas of the FCT.
Fasawe outlined preventive measures and first-aid steps, advising residents to wear protective clothing, clear debris around homes, avoid dark areas at night, and seek immediate medical care after any snakebite.
She cautioned strongly against harmful practices such as cutting or sucking the wound or applying tourniquets or herbal remedies.
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While noting that early administration of antivenom improves survival chances, she acknowledged that treatment does not always guarantee recovery, particularly in cases involving advanced neurotoxic symptoms.
The mandate secretary also highlighted recent investments in emergency response, including the deployment of 12 fully equipped ambulances and improved road networks to reduce response times.
She warned that both public and private health facilities would face sanctions if found negligent or in violation of emergency care protocols.
Residents were urged to rely on official emergency numbers for ambulance services, as the FCTA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and protecting lives across the territory.