Abuja Resident Shares Personal Snake Encounter Amid Nanyah's Tragic Death
A Nigerian man residing in Abuja has come forward with a chilling personal experience of snake infestation in his apartment, drawing parallels to the recent tragic death of popular singer Ifunanya Nwangene, widely known as Nanyah. The man's account provides a plausible explanation for how dangerous reptiles might access residential buildings in urban areas.
Man's Terrifying Experience with Toilet Snake
Uche Nworah, the Abuja resident, shared a detailed video on Facebook documenting his encounter with a large snake that emerged from his toilet in 2024. According to Nworah, the incident began when a friend alerted him to the presence of the reptile in his apartment, prompting immediate action.
"I was so alarmed by my friend's report that I immediately contacted professional fumigators to inspect the entire apartment," Nworah explained. During the fumigation process, the snake suddenly appeared from one of the toilet bowls, creating a terrifying moment that was captured on video.
Connection to Central Sewage System
Nworah's investigation revealed a critical infrastructure detail that explains how the snake gained access to his home. "It turned out that the house was connected to Abuja's central sewage system, making it easy for reptiles to slither into the apartment through the drainage pipes," he stated.
Drawing from this firsthand experience, Nworah suggested that the snake that fatally bit singer Nanyah may have entered her ground-floor residence through similar means. He emphasized that this represents his personal theory based on what he witnessed in his own home.
Preventive Measures Implemented
Following the frightening incident, Nworah took decisive action to prevent future occurrences. "I subsequently engaged the services of a plumber to install non-return valve devices on all the toilets," he shared. "These valves allow waste to flow out but automatically clamp shut, preventing anything from coming back in."
This practical solution highlights how homeowners can protect themselves against similar snake invasions through proper plumbing modifications.
Public Reactions and Safety Concerns
The video shared by Nworah has sparked significant reactions from Nigerians concerned about urban safety. Many commenters expressed shock and fear about the possibility of snakes entering homes through plumbing systems.
Franklin Umezumba commented, "Be safe o, Abuja is a place of various dangerous snakes and scorpions," reflecting widespread concerns about urban wildlife dangers. Another user, Arinze Amobi LP, stated, "I would be traumatised at the thought of using that toilet ever again," capturing the psychological impact such incidents can have on residents.
Broader Context of Nanyah's Death
Nanyah's tragic death has highlighted multiple systemic issues in Nigeria, including inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Popular health influencer Aproko Doctor previously commented that the snake bite itself wasn't the sole cause of death, but rather the unavailability of antivenom at two hospitals Nanyah visited.
This situation has sparked conversations about Nigeria's healthcare challenges and the need for better emergency medical resources, particularly for treating venomous snake bites that remain a significant threat in many urban and rural areas.
Urban Safety Implications
The incident raises important questions about urban planning and residential safety in Nigerian cities. As more buildings connect to central sewage systems, the potential for wildlife intrusion through plumbing networks increases, requiring greater awareness and preventive measures from homeowners and urban planners alike.
Nworah's experience serves as a cautionary tale for residents in multi-story buildings and ground-floor apartments, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance, proper plumbing installations, and awareness of potential entry points for dangerous wildlife.
