The Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, has given details on the death of Abuja-based singer Ifunanya Nwagene, popularly known as Nanyah, who died on Saturday after suffering complications from a snake bite.

The hospital said its medical personnel made extensive efforts to save the singer’s life after she was brought to the facility but the attempts were unsuccessful.

Nwagene, a soprano with the Amemuso Choir, died at the FMC after being admitted for treatment. Her death was confirmed on Sunday by the choir in a statement shared on its official Facebook page and signed by its Music Director, Sam Ezugwu.

The choir said she passed away on Saturday following complications linked to a snake bite.

The group described her death as a painful loss to Abuja’s emerging music community, noting that she was a talented vocalist gaining recognition and preparing for greater opportunities. It added that details of her burial would be communicated later.

In a separate statement issued on Sunday evening, the management of the Federal Medical Centre expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased, noting that the loss of a loved one is always difficult.

The hospital explained that its medical team responded immediately when Nwagene arrived at the facility and commenced treatment without delay. According to the hospital, the interventions included resuscitation, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen and the administration of polyvalent snake antivenom.

“Our medical staff provided immediate and appropriate treatment, including resuscitation efforts, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and the administration of polyvalent snake antivenom,” the hospital stated.

FMC further disclosed that the singer suffered serious neurotoxic effects from the snake bite. The hospital said she was assessed promptly and efforts were made to stabilise her condition ahead of transfer to the Intensive Care Unit, but her health declined suddenly before the transfer could be completed.

“After a thorough but quick evaluation, it was clear that Ms Nwagene suffered severe neurotoxic complications from the snake bite,” the statement said.

It added that medical personnel carried out cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other emergency procedures, but she could not be revived.

“Our team of professionals worked diligently to provide CPR and other life-saving measures; however, despite these efforts, we were unable to revive her,” the statement added.

The hospital also responded to reports on social media suggesting that antivenom was unavailable or that the response was inadequate, describing the claims as false. FMC insisted that the necessary medication was available and administered appropriately.

“The claims of non-availability of anti-snake venom and inadequate response are unfounded and do not reflect the reality of the situation,” the hospital said.

FMC management reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and quality healthcare delivery, urging the public to rely on verified information rather than unconfirmed reports circulating online. It added that the hospital remained open to further inquiries and clarification.