By Adesakin Adefemi
The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abuja has issued a statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding the death of Ms. Ifunanya Lucy Nwagene, who died on January 31, 2026, after being treated for a snake bite, amidst growing concerns and outrage over alleged medical negligence.
In the statement, the hospital’s Head of Clinical Services, Dr. Bioku Muftau expressed condolences to the Nwagene family, saying, “The loss of a loved one is never easy, and our thoughts are with them.” The hospital acknowledged the family’s grief and assured them of a thorough investigation into the matter.
The statement explained that Nwagene was treated promptly and with utmost care upon her arrival at the hospital. “Our medical staff provided immediate and appropriate treatment, including resuscitation efforts, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and the administration of polyvalent snake antivenom,” Dr. Muftau said, emphasizing the hospital’s commitment to providing quality care.
However, despite these efforts, Nwagene suffered severe neurotoxic complications from the snake bite and experienced a sudden deterioration just before transferring to the Intensive Care Unit. Dr. Muftau explained that the hospital’s team of professionals worked diligently to provide CPR and other life-saving measures, but unfortunately, they were unable to revive her.
The statement denied claims of non-availability of anti-snake venom and inadequate response, saying, “The claims… are unfounded and do not reflect the reality of the situation.” Dr. Muftau emphasized that the hospital has a robust system in place for managing snake bite cases and has a steady supply of antivenom.
The hospital assured the public of its commitment to transparency and integrity in its practices and pledged to continue pursuing excellence in patient care. “We will continue to provide quality care to our patients and work with the community to address concerns and improve our services,” Dr. Muftau said.
The statement encouraged the community to engage with credible sources for information and updates rather than relying on social media speculation, which can often be misleading and inflammatory.
The hospital’s response aims to address concerns and provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding Nwagene’s death, amid growing scrutiny and speculation on social media. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability, with many Nigerians demanding answers and justice for the deceased.
The FMC Abuja has promised to cooperate fully with investigations and provide necessary support to the family of the deceased, as the nation grapples with concerns over healthcare quality and accountability.
