Tragic Cobra Attack Claims Life of Abuja School Headmaster
Residents of the Jamigbe community in Gawu ward, Abaji Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, are grappling with profound grief following the tragic death of Usman Mohammed, the head teacher of the Local Education Authority Primary School. The educator was fatally attacked by a venomous cobra that had entered his office through a crack in the wall, hiding under a chair before striking as he arrived for work.
Details of the Fatal Incident
According to HRH Alhaji Danladi Aliyu, the village chief, the snake spat venom directly into Mohammed's eyes upon his entry into the office. Despite being rushed immediately to a nearby hospital in Lambata, Niger State, the headmaster was pronounced dead just hours later. Community members managed to kill the snake shortly after the attack, but the incident has left the entire area in a state of shock and fear.
The chief attributed this heartbreaking tragedy directly to the dilapidated condition of the school's infrastructure. He noted that the administrative office, constructed years ago through community efforts, was the only such space available and had visible structural weaknesses. Cracks in the classroom walls further exacerbate the safety concerns, putting both staff and students at potential risk.
"It was only by God's grace that pupils in the adjacent classroom were spared," Aliyu emphasized, highlighting how close the community came to an even greater catastrophe.
Second Tragedy: Loss of a Promising Singer
In a chilling parallel incident that occurred just weeks after the head teacher's death, Abuja-based rising soprano singer Ifunanya Nwangene also succumbed to a snake bite. She passed away on January 31, 2026, at the Federal Medical Centre in Abuja after reportedly not receiving sufficient antivenom treatment in time to save her life.
The Amemuso Choir, where Nwangene performed, confirmed her untimely passing in a heartfelt statement, describing her as a promising talent whose artistic journey was tragically cut short. Sam Ezugwu, the choir's music director, added, "A rising star, Ifunanya was on the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world."
Community Leaders Demand Urgent Action
These back-to-back tragedies have intensified fear across the Federal Capital Territory and sparked urgent calls for comprehensive safety improvements. HRH Alhaji Aliyu has appealed directly to the Local Education Authority and the FCT Universal Basic Education Board to address the critical infrastructure deficiencies by constructing proper classrooms and administrative offices.
The community leader also emphasized the need for enhanced emergency medical response capabilities, specifically calling for better availability of antivenom in local hospitals to prevent further loss of life. "These tragedies highlight the dangers of crumbling infrastructure and inadequate emergency response," Aliyu stated, while praying for divine intervention and swift action from relevant authorities.
Broader Implications for Public Safety
The incidents underscore several pressing issues facing communities in the FCT:
- Infrastructure decay in educational institutions creating hazardous environments
- Inadequate emergency medical resources, particularly antivenom supplies
- Gaps in wildlife management and public safety protocols
- Need for comprehensive risk assessment in vulnerable communities
As Abuja continues to develop and expand, these tragedies serve as a stark reminder that basic safety infrastructure and emergency medical preparedness must keep pace with growth to protect citizens from preventable dangers.
