(DDM) – The family of Ifunanya Nwangene, also known as Nanyah, has accused a hospital in Abuja of negligence following her death from a snake bite at her home.
Emy Kaybaba, Nanyah’s brother, recounted that she called him at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, saying she had woken up in pain after being bitten by a snake while sleeping.
She immediately tied a tourniquet to slow the spread of venom and informed her brother that she was heading to the hospital.
Kaybaba stayed on the phone with his sister throughout the ordeal.
Upon arrival at a hospital in Lugbe, Abuja, Nanyah was reportedly informed that anti-venom was unavailable, prompting her transfer to a second facility.
At the second hospital, staff reportedly removed the tourniquet despite her protests, administering intravenous fluids instead.
Nanyah expressed concern about the removal of the tourniquet, but the hospital staff reportedly told her to remain calm.
Her condition quickly deteriorated, and she stopped speaking clearly to her brother, forcing him to end the call just as an uncle arrived at the hospital.
Moments later, Nanyah tragically died.
Kaybaba accused the hospital of negligence, rejecting claims by staff that his sister was not speaking well when she arrived.
He insisted that she had arrived independently and was coherent, even sending him a video showing staff administering an IV drip.
Kaybaba shared the video and voiced his anger, declaring, “I hate the country so much,” reflecting frustration at systemic healthcare failures.
Family members say they are devastated and demand accountability, emphasizing that delays and poor emergency response contributed to Nanyah’s death.
Medical experts note that timely administration of anti-venom and proper handling of tourniquets are critical in snakebite cases, and negligence can rapidly worsen outcomes.
Observers say this incident underscores Nigeria’s broader healthcare challenges, including shortages of essential drugs, staff training issues, and emergency response gaps.
Kaybaba’s public statements and social media posts have drawn widespread attention, sparking calls for investigation and improvements in hospital emergency procedures.
The family is urging authorities to hold responsible parties accountable and ensure that no other lives are lost due to preventable hospital errors.
