News
Snake-bite saga: Our treatment word standard – FMC *Denies lacking vaccines
It is not true that lack of anti-snake venom vaccine was responsible for Ifunanya Nwangene, the Abuja high-rising music star, whose death via snake bites last week, has not only been trending in the media, but attracting a lot of attacks on the Federal Government.
Debunking the story making the rounds, the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Abuja, where the singer died, said contrary to not having the vaccines, the deceased, was given the best treatment available across the globe, but unfortunately could not make it.
Sam Ezugwu, the Music Director of Amemuso Choir, where the deceased performed as a member before her tragic end, was quoted as saying the group had urgently sought treatment at two different hospitals but was reportedly turned away due to a lack of available anti-venom.
TheCable, quoted him as saying that he rushed to FMC after seeing a distress post on Nwangene’s social media and upon arrival, found her in severe distress, adding that staff of the hospital informed him that while two doses of anti-venom were required, only one was immediately available at the facility and had been administered.
Ezugwu, who acknowledged that FMC attended to her upon arrival but noted critical delays earlier in the search for treatment, reportedly relayed that a doctor later told him the snake’s venom had already spread through her system by the time she reached their facility.
Against the backdrop of the barrage of criticisms trailing the development including one from Aproko Doctor, a medical doctor influential on social media, who accused public hospitals for frequently lacking essential, life-saving medications like anti-venom, FMC, maintained this was not the case.
In a detailed statement, the hospital management, which sympathised with the families of the deceased, said: “We want to clarify that the management team at Federal Medical Centre, Abuja acted promptly and with the utmost care upon Ms. Nwagene’s arrival,” the statement reads.
“Our medical staff provided immediate and appropriate treatment, including resuscitation efforts, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and the administration of polyvalent snake antivenom.
“After a thorough but quick evaluation, it was clear that Ms. Nwagene suffered severe neurotoxic complications from the snake bite.
“Despite all efforts to stabilize her condition and transfer her to the Intensive Care Unit for further treatment, she experienced a sudden deterioration just before the transfer.
“Our team of professionals worked diligently to provide CPR and other life-saving measures; however, despite these efforts, we were unable to revive her. We stand by the quality of care and dedication our team demonstrates daily. The claims of non-availability of anti-snake venom and inadequate response are unfounded and do not reflect the reality of the situation.
“We are committed to transparency and integrity in our practices and will continue to pursue excellence in patient care. In light of these events, we encourage our community to engage with credible sources for information and updates rather than relying on social media speculation. We remain available for any further inquiries or clarifications.”
Britain is currently on red-alert and has raised the bar on possible spike in anti Semitism in the country, after a stabbing attack left two Jewish men seriously injured in north London.
Shabana Mahmood Home Secretary, who confirmed fears that the UK faced a growing security risk, spoke on the heels of authorities charging a 45-year-old man following the incident in Golders Green, which police are treating as a suspected terrorist attack.
The victims, aged 34 and 76, were taken to hospital after the assault, with the younger man now discharged and the older victim reported to be in stable condition.
The suspect, identified as Essa Suleiman, who has since been slammed with a two-count charge bordering on attempted murder and possession of a bladed weapon in a public place, is also facing an additional attempted murder charge linked to a separate incident earlier the same day in south London.
Consequent upon his remand in custody with a plan to commence trial before Westminster Magistrates’ Court, UK officials elevated the country’s terrorism threat level to the second highest category, indicating that an attack is considered highly likely, in what Mahmood said reflected broader and sustained security concerns rather than a single
Authorities have pointed to increasing threats tied to foreign actors and a rise in antisemitic incidents across the country. Recent attacks have included arson targeting synagogues and Jewish emergency services, some reportedly linked to external influences.
Police are also reviewing upcoming pro Palestinian demonstrations in London to determine whether tighter restrictions are required. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said efforts are underway to ensure public safety, noting that while protests cannot be banned outright, their scope and movement can be controlled.
Investigations into the stabbing and related incidents remain ongoing as officials assess the wider security implications.
Succour came the way of the David Mark, following the restoration of his leadership of African Democratic Congress (ADC), by the Supreme Court, which removed the order by the Court of Appeal for parties to maintain status quo ante bellum pending the determination of its leadership crisis at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The apex court, in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel headed by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, held that the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal acted beyond its jurisdiction by unilaterally issuing such an order after it had already dismissed a case that was brought before it by one of the factions.
“Giving such an order in an appeal it had already dismissed was unnecessary, unwarranted and improper,” the Supreme Court held.
It held that the appeal that was filed before it by Senator David Mark succeeded in part, even as it dismissed the aspect that challenged an ex parte order the Federal High Court made for service of processes in the suit filed by aggrieved members of the party.
The apex court directed the factions to return to the trial court for continuation of hearing of the case.
It will be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had removed Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal and website as ADC National Chairman and Secretary, respectively, on April 1, citing the Court of Appeal’s judgment.
The electoral body said it would, in line with the order for maintenance of the status quo ante bellum, not recognise any of the warring factions until the legal dispute is determined.
By Sunny Igboanugo
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