Tragic Death of Abuja Singer Sparks Traditionalist's Advice on Snake Bite Prevention
The Nigerian entertainment community is mourning the sudden loss of promising soprano Ifunanya Nwangene, who died from a snake bite on Saturday, 31 January 2026, at the Federal Medical Centre in Abuja. The talented performer reportedly did not receive sufficient antivenom treatment in time to save her life.
Choir Confirms Loss of Rising Star
The Amemuso Choir, where Nwangene showcased her vocal abilities, confirmed her passing in an emotional statement. "We regret to announce the sudden demise of our beloved soprano, Ifunanya Nwangene, who passed away yesterday at the Federal Medical Centre due to a snake bite," the choir announced.
Music director Sam Ezugwu added, "A rising star, Ifunanya, was on the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world." Her death has highlighted the ongoing danger of snake encounters in Nigerian households and communities.
Traditionalist's Three-Point Prevention Strategy
Reacting to the tragedy, prominent Ifa priest and Babalawo Olúwo Jògbòdó Ọ̀rúnmìlà shared three traditional methods to prevent snake bites during an interview. The herbalist emphasized practical approaches that combine traditional wisdom with modern understanding of snake behavior.
"Okay, how to prevent a snake attack is firstly by tidying up your surroundings, making sure your area is always clean. Secondly, by spraying chemicals around your house, and thirdly, having a cat at home prevents snakes," the traditionalist explained.
His recommendations include:
- Environmental Cleanliness: Maintaining tidy surroundings to eliminate potential snake hiding spots
- Chemical Fumigation: Using appropriate sprays around residential areas as a deterrent
- Pet Protection: Keeping cats as natural predators that discourage snake presence
Senator Shares Local Expert Insights
Senator Shehu Sani contributed to the conversation by sharing insights from a local snake charmer in Zaria. The senator highlighted specific household factors that attract snakes, noting that "nothing attracts snakes to our homes like littered eggshells and rats."
He further explained, "Some of the battles going on inside our ceilings or POP are between the snakes and the rats." The senator emphasized that proper hygiene and effective pest control are crucial elements in preventing snake encounters, as snakes often enter homes primarily in search of prey such as rodents.
Understanding Snake Behavior and Household Risks
According to expert analysis from snake charmers, several factors make homes vulnerable to snake visits:
- Areas with abundant food sources and shelter opportunities
- Presence of eggshells and leftover food that attract prey animals
- Clutter that provides hiding places for snakes
- Rat infestations in ceilings and attics that draw snakes seeking meals
The experts warn that snakes can move silently and hide effectively in dark corners, making awareness and preventive measures essential for household safety. This tragedy follows recent reports of a cobra killing a school headmaster in Abuja, indicating a concerning pattern of snake-related incidents in the Federal Capital Territory.
The combination of traditional preventive methods and modern understanding of snake behavior provides Nigerians with practical strategies to reduce the risk of snake encounters. As communities mourn the loss of Ifunanya Nwangene, her death serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of household safety measures and prompt medical response to snake bites.
