They Searched For The Snake While She Lay Dying” — Heartbroken Family Speaks Out

The family of the late Enugu-based singer, Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah, has shared a harrowing account of the events leading to her death following a snake bite, alleging negligence and delays by both neighbors and healthcare facilities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Nanyah reportedly died after being bitten by a large snake in her compound. Two hospitals reportedly turned her away due to a lack of anti-venom, despite her condition deteriorating rapidly.

Her sister-in-law, Blessing Oduche, told BBC Pidgin that the tragedy was worsened by a series of preventable failures, from the initial response to delays at medical facilities.

“The snake was not small—it was a big snake. After the bite, they were looking for the snake while Ifunanya was still there,” Blessing said.

She explained that security personnel in the compound failed to act with urgency.

“I do not know if the security guys understood it was an emergency because they did not carry her immediately. They paused to search for the snake, wasting crucial time,” she added.

Blessing also revealed that precious minutes were lost due to a failed car ignition, further delaying Nanyah’s journey to the hospital.

Eventually, Nanyah managed to get on a motorcycle to Divine Health Clinic, but the facility had to refer her elsewhere after realizing they lacked the necessary treatment.

“She carried herself to the gate, despite the long distance from her house. She held herself up and ran to the gate,” Blessing said.

According to the family, Nanyah was bitten around 8:30 to 9:00 pm but did not reach the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) until about 10:00 pm, over 90 minutes later, where she was tragically pronounced dead.