Nigerians Reveal Survival Methods After Snakebites Without Medical Anti-venom
The Nigerian entertainment community and beyond were plunged into mourning following the untimely death of fast-rising singer Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah Music. The young artist reportedly passed away after being bitten by a snake at her residence, despite being rushed to a hospital immediately after the incident. Her tragic demise has sparked widespread conversations about snakebite treatment and survival in Nigeria.
Traditional Healing Saves Student After Viper Attack
Amid the ongoing discussions, a young Nigerian woman named Vee Okeke shared her personal experience of surviving a venomous snake bite. She recounted being bitten by a viper snake while she was still a student. The venom quickly began affecting her body, and she was rushed to a hospital. However, the medical facility reportedly did not have any anti-venom available for treatment.
As a result, her lodge mates took her to a traditional healer in Agbani. She described the traditional treatment process in detail, stating that the native doctor resuscitated her, sucked out the venom, and massaged her entire body downwards with Ojukwu oil mixed with other substances. The healer also placed native medicines on incisions made on her leg. Okeke expressed profound gratitude, saying, "God used that man to save me." Her story highlights how traditional medicine can sometimes fill critical gaps in healthcare accessibility.
Sister Survives Two Separate Snake Attacks in the Bush
Another compelling story emerged from a Nigerian lady identified as @blessdiri on TikTok, who shared the emotional account of her elder sister surviving two separate snake bites. Both incidents occurred while the sister was fetching firewood in the bush at different times. Despite the severity of each situation, she managed to tie the affected part of her body and walk back home, a journey that took over an hour.
Upon reaching home, her family immediately sprang into action, administering a series of traditional treatments. These included applications of red oil, kerosene, and bitterkola to the bite wounds. The sister's remarkable survival through these methods demonstrates the resilience and resourcefulness often required in rural areas where immediate medical assistance may not be readily available.
Native Treatment Overcomes Persistent Swelling After Bite
A third survivor, Prisca Amara Ewim, shared her snakebite ordeal on Facebook, recalling how she was attacked in 2019. She remembered hearing a knock at the gate of her sister's house in Lokoja and going to answer it, unaware of the lurking danger. The snake had positioned itself at the staircase and struck as she climbed down, leaving her in excruciating pain.
Ewim described the aftermath as a nightmare, with the swelling refusing to subside despite local treatment in Lokoja. She eventually traveled to Oko, where an elderly man successfully treated her using traditional methods. She reflected on the experience, saying, "The pains I went through during this period ehhh. I saw shege. I couldn’t sleep well for months after this because of fear." Her account underscores the psychological trauma that often accompanies such physical ordeals.
Broader Implications for Healthcare and Traditional Medicine
These three survival stories have sparked significant reactions from netizens across Nigeria, bringing attention to several critical issues:
- Healthcare accessibility: The unavailability of anti-venom in hospitals highlights systemic challenges in Nigeria's medical infrastructure.
- Traditional knowledge preservation: These accounts demonstrate how indigenous healing practices continue to play vital roles in community health.
- Public awareness: The stories emphasize the importance of snakebite prevention education and first response knowledge.
- Emotional impact: Each survivor's narrative reveals the lasting psychological effects of such traumatic experiences.
The tragic death of singer Nanyah has thus opened important dialogues about healthcare gaps, the value of traditional medicine, and survival strategies in emergency situations. As Nigerians continue to share their experiences, these conversations may contribute to improved public health approaches and greater appreciation for both modern and traditional healing methods.
