The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, has rejected claims circulating on social media that anti-snake venom was unavailable or administered late in the treatment of Ms Ifunanya Lucy Nwagene, who died after a snake bite.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the hospital said Ms Nwagene was brought to the facility on 31 January 2026 with severe complications resulting from a neurotoxic snake bite.
According to the management, medical personnel acted promptly on her arrival, providing emergency care that included resuscitation efforts, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen and the administration of polyvalent snake anti-venom.
The hospital said an initial assessment revealed that the patient had already developed serious neurotoxic complications. Plans were made to transfer her to the Intensive Care Unit for further management.
However, FMC Abuja said Ms Nwagene’s condition deteriorated suddenly just before the transfer could take place. Despite prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other life-saving measures, she was pronounced dead.
The statement, signed by the Head of Clinical Services, Dr Bioku Muftau, described allegations of negligence, delayed response or lack of anti-venom as “unfounded”.
“The claims of non-availability of anti-snake venom and inadequate response do not reflect the reality of the situation,” the hospital said, adding that it stood by the professionalism and commitment of its medical staff.
The management also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and urged members of the public to rely on verified information rather than social media speculation.
The statement was dated 1 February 2026.
