Ifunanya Snake Bite: List of 10 Deadliest Serpents in Nigeria and Africa
- Fast-rising Nigerian singer Ifunanya Nwangene died from a snake bite in Nigeria's capital, Abuja
- Nigeria is home to a wide variety of snakes, with about 12 species highly venomous and around nine others venomous but not deadly
- The sight of any snake in a residential home is always scary and unsettling, as people are sometimes hurt
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering metro.
FCT, Abuja - African singer Ifunanya (Nanyah for short) Nwangene, who competed on “The Voice Nigeria,” died on Saturday, January 31, after sustaining a snakebite, prompting renewed concerns over snake safety, especially in residential areas.
Nwangene was sleeping in her apartment in the Nigerian capital city of Abuja when she was awoken by a pain in her leg, her friend told BBC Africa.
Source: Twitter
Ifunanya singer's death
Nwangene, a soprano singer with the Amemuso Choir, passed away at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Abuja.
The choir confirmed her death in a statement posted on its Instagram page by music director Sam Ezugwu.
Describing her death as a major loss to Abuja’s growing music community, the choir said Nwangene was a rising star who was close to gaining wider recognition for her talent.
The statement read:
“Amemuso Choir regret to announce the sudden demise of our beloved soprano, Ifunanya Nwangene, who passed away yesterday, 31 January 2026, at the Federal Medical Centre due to a snake bite."
The announcement created widespread reactions on social media, with many users expressing grief while also questioning the circumstances surrounding the 26-year-old's death.
Some commenters alleged that the hospital lacked anti-snake venom, suggesting this may have contributed to the outcome. Antivenom is a medication used to treat venomous snake bites by neutralising the toxins released into the body.
Subsequently, the FMC management denied any negligence in the singer’s death, stating that claims about the unavailability of anti-snake venom are unfounded.
Ifunanya's video can be watched below:
Deadliest snakes in Nigeria and Africa
In light of this sad development, Legit.ng highlights the deadliest snakes in Nigeria and Africa to help you stay safe.
This article highlights the 10 most venomous snakes in Africa, featuring interesting facts about each species, tips for identifying them in the wild, and why they are so feared.
1. Black mamba
The black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) is a species of highly venomous snake belonging to the family Elapidae.
Black mamba is native to parts of sub-Saharan Africa, according to Africafreak.
2. Mozambique spitting cobra
The Mozambique spitting cobra is a highly venomous species of spitting cobra in the family Elapidae.
The species is native to Africa, and it is found in Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
3. Puff adder
The puff adder is a highly venomous viper species commonly found in savannahs and grasslands.
It ranges from Morocco and western Arabia across much of Africa, except in the Sahara and rainforest regions
4. Gaboon viper
The Gaboon viper, also called the Gaboon adder, is a large and highly venomous viper species found in the rainforests and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa.
It is the largest member of the genus Bitis.
5. Egyptian cobra
The Egyptian cobra is one of the most venomous species of snakes in North Africa.
Egyptian cobra averages roughly 1.4 metres in length; the longest specimen recorded so far measured 2.59 metres.
6. Saw-scaled viper (carpet viper)
Saw-scaled vipers (Echis), or carpet vipers, are small but highly venomous snakes found in arid regions of Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka.
Known for their "sizzling" warning sound created by rubbing their scales together, they are responsible for a high number of snakebite deaths. They are aggressive, fast-striking snakes typically measuring 30–90 cm.
7. Boomslang
The boomslang is a highly venomous snake in the family Colubridae.
The species is native to Sub-Saharan Africa.
8. Cape cobra
The Cape cobra, also known as the yellow cobra, is a moderate-sized and highly venomous species found across southern Africa.
It inhabits a wide range of environments, including arid savanna, fynbos, bushveld, desert, and semi-desert regions.
9. Green mamba
The eastern green mamba is a highly venomous snake species of the mamba genus Dendroaspis native to the coastal regions of southern East Africa.
Described by Scottish surgeon and zoologist Andrew Smith in 1849, it has a slender build with a bright green back and green-yellow ventral scales.
10. African bush viper
Atheris squamigera is a venomous viper species endemic to west and central Africa.
No subspecies are currently recognised.
Source: Twitter
Neighbour shares observation about Nanyah's residence
Legit.ng earlier reported that a neighbour had shared her observation about the residence of Nanyah after she died from a snake bite.
The lady said that Nanyah lived in her neighbourhood, as she shared what she noticed at the singer’s residence after her death, which went public on January 31, 2026.
According to reports, the young singer reportedly passed away after being bitten by a snake at her residence. She was said to have been rushed to a hospital immediately after the incident, but sadly, she did not survive.
Source: Legit.ng
