By Danjuma Amodu | February 1, 2026
The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abuja has responded to allegations surrounding the death of Ms Ifunanya Lucy Nwagene, who died from neurotoxic complications after a snake bite on January 31, 2026.
Dr Bioku Muftau, Head of Clinical Services, expressed condolences to the family, stating that the medical centre’s staff acted promptly with antivenom treatment and resuscitation efforts.
The statement denied claims of negligence, calling them “unfounded and unreflective of the reality,” and emphasized its commitment to transparency and patient care.
Dr. Muftau counters social media allegations, detailing efforts to save Ms Nwagene’s life, including ICU transfer arrangements.
The case raises concerns about snake bite management in Nigerian hospitals, highlighting needs for improved protocols and awareness.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about healthcare infrastructure and emergency response capabilities in Nigeria. Snake bites are a significant public health concern, particularly in rural areas where access to medical facilities and antivenom can be limited.
However, FMC Abuja’s statement aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding Ms Nwagene’s death while also highlighting the challenges faced by healthcare providers in managing complex cases.
The medical centre is committed to transparency and accountability in patients and families seeking care. Muftau added.
Similarly, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported a significant number of snake bite cases annually, with many resulting in fatalities due to delayed treatment or lack of access to antivenom. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also identified snake bites as a neglected tropical disease, emphasizing the need for improved prevention and treatment strategies.
In response to such cases, health experts are calling for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, training for medical personnel, and public education campaigns on snake bite prevention and first aid.
The Nigerian government has initiated programmes to improve access to antivenom and enhance emergency response capabilities, but more efforts are needed to address the scale of the issue.
FMC Abuja’s stance on transparency and accountability is seen as a positive step towards building trust with the public, particularly in a climate where healthcare concerns are increasingly scrutinized on social media.
