Ifunanya died at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, after she was bitten by a snake in her apartment in Lugbe, Abuja.
Pest control expert Francis Nwapa has issued a public safety advisory urging residents, especially in Abuja, Lagos, and other urban centres, to exercise caution, following the tragic death of 25-year-old Abuja-based singer Ifunanya Lucy Nwagene, popularly known as Nanyah, who died from a snake bite.
Ifunanya died at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, after she was bitten by a snake in her apartment in Lugbe, Abuja.
Following the incident, a snake handler was reportedly engaged to inspect Ifunanya’s residence.
Sam C. Ezugwu, Director of the Amemuso Choir, of which the late Ifunanya was a member, disclosed that a medium-sized cobra was found inside her room, another smaller snake near her doormat, and a third snake in a nearby compound.
In a notice released on Friday, Nwapa noted that the incident has understandably generated fear among residents of Abuja, and other cities across the country but stressed that calm, informed action remained the best form of protection.
“While this is sad, it is important not to panic, but to stay informed and prepared,” Nwapa who listed snake-prone areas in Abuja and Lagos, stated.
According to Nwapa, several environmental factors attract snakes into homes and communities.
These, he said, include bushy surroundings and unkempt vegetation, open refuse dumps that encourage rodents, particularly rats, flooding and blocked drainages, as well as waterlogged areas.
He also identified abandoned buildings, wood piles and open ceilings as common hiding spots for reptiles including snakes.
Nwapa cautioned residents against overreacting to snake sightings, noting that snakes are generally defensive rather than aggressive.
“Not every snake sighting leads to a bite. Panic increases risk,” he said, advising residents to keep a safe distance, secure the area and avoid attempting to kill or chase snakes themselves.
Nwapa listed several snake-prone communities in Abuja, including Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, Abaji, Bwari axis, Mpape, Jabi, Lugbe, Karu outskirts, and communities close to rocks, hills, farmlands, and undeveloped bush areas.
In Lagos, Nwapa identified snake-prone areas to include Makoko, Iwaya, Ilaje, Ajegunle, the Badagry axis, Ikorodu riverine areas, Ibeju-Lekki, Epe and Amuwo-Odofin, as well as communities located close to lagoons, swamps and undeveloped lands.
He urged residents in such areas, or those noticing frequent reptile activity, to seek professional help promptly.
“If you live in snake-prone areas or notice frequent reptile activity, call a licensed pest control professional immediately. Preventive treatment is far safer and cheaper than emergency response,” he said.
Beyond individual precautions, Nwapa called on government authorities to strengthen the health system’s capacity to manage snakebite emergencies.
He specifically appealed for improved preparedness at Primary Health Care centres and an urgent resolution of the ongoing strike by junior health workers in the country.
“We urge the government at all levels to urgently strengthen Primary Health Care centres to handle snake bite emergencies effectively, and to end the ongoing strike action by junior health workers, as delays in treatment cost lives,” he said.
He advised residents to remain calm and vigilant, adding, “Stay calm. Stay informed. Stay protected.”