The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling snakebite incidents in Abuja and its environs, following the tragic death of Ms. Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, who reportedly died from neurotoxic complications after a snakebite.
The Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, described the incident as “deeply painful and distressing,” expressing heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family while stressing that such deaths are medically preventable and must not be allowed to recur.
According to Dr. Fasawe, snakebites remain a largely preventable but often neglected public health emergency in Nigeria. She noted that snakes are commonly found in rainforests, grasslands, farms, and semi-arid areas, and are increasingly encroaching on human settlements in search of food and shelter—raising the risk of dangerous encounters.
Nigeria is home to several highly venomous snake species, including cobras, vipers, and puff adders. Health authorities therefore advise that every snakebite should be treated as venomous until proven otherwise, as delays or unsafe home remedies can result in fatal outcomes.
Prevention and First Aid Measures
The FCTA urged residents to adopt practical preventive measures, especially those living or working near farms, bushes, or undeveloped land. These include wearing protective clothing, using flashlights at night, clearing debris around homes, sealing entry points that may allow snakes indoors, and avoiding any attempt to handle snakes.
In the event of a snakebite, residents were advised to remain calm, immobilise the affected limb below heart level, remove tight clothing or accessories, gently clean the wound, and proceed immediately to the nearest hospital with antivenom. The Secretariat warned strongly against harmful practices such as cutting or sucking the wound, applying tourniquets, ice packs, or using herbal remedies, which often worsen outcomes.
Antivenom Availability and Emergency Response
Dr. Fasawe reassured the public that anti-snake venom is widely available across FCTA-owned hospitals and public health facilities. She explained that stocking decisions are informed by collaboration with veterinary doctors who help identify the most common snake species and venom strains within the FCT.
Both polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms are centrally stored at the FCTA-owned Abuja Central Medical Stores and are directly managed by the Secretariat to ensure quality control, proper cold-chain storage, and timely availability.
While antivenom is most effective when administered early, the Mandate Secretary cautioned that it does not always guarantee recovery, especially in cases where neurotoxic symptoms have already developed—highlighting the importance of rapid evacuation and prompt medical attention.
Improved Ambulance and Hospital Services
As part of efforts to reduce response times, the FCTA has strengthened emergency services through expanded road networks and the recent procurement and deployment of 12 fully equipped ambulances. These ambulances are designed to manage medical emergencies, including snakebite cases.
Hospitals within the FCT provide comprehensive care, including antivenom administration, limb immobilisation without tourniquets, monitoring for adverse reactions, and supportive treatment. Advanced tertiary care services—such as intensive care unit (ICU) admission, airway management, coagulation monitoring, and blood transfusion—are also available across FCT hospitals.
Quality Assurance and Accountability
Dr. Fasawe emphasised that all healthcare facilities, both public and private, must strictly adhere to approved clinical protocols in the management of snakebite cases. She warned that monitoring and enforcement would be intensified, and any facility found negligent would face appropriate sanctions.
For medical emergencies, residents were advised to contact the FCT Emergency Medical System and Ambulance Services via 090157892931 or 090157892932.
The Mandate Secretary concluded by reaffirming the FCTA’s resolve to strengthen emergency response systems, enforce quality healthcare standards, and safeguard the lives of all residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
