The Medical Director of the Snakebite Treatment and Research Hospital in Kaltungo, Gombe State, Dr. Nicholas Amani-Hamman, has warned against tying a snakebite victim’s limb with cloth, calling the practice dangerous and outdated.
He also cautioned against using sharp objects, such as razor blades, to extract supposed venom, explaining that such methods are harmful and could reduce the chances of survival.
Dr. Amani-Hamman spoke with PUNCH Healthwise following the tragic death of aspiring Nigerian singer Ifunanya Nwangene, 26, who reportedly died from a snakebite in Abuja on Saturday. Nwangene, who gained national recognition on The Voice Nigeria in 2021, was celebrated for her unique blend of jazz, opera, classical music, and soul.
“The singer might have survived if she had been transported to Gombe for urgent medical care,” Dr. Amani-Hamman said, noting that the Kaltungo hospital receives snakebite patients not only from across Nigeria but also from Cameroon and Chad.
He emphasized the critical role of first aid, advising victims to avoid any activity that increases heart rate, such as walking or crossing rivers, as this can accelerate the spread of venom. “The affected limb should not be used. The person should be carried to the nearest hospital where antivenom is available,” he said.
Dr. Amani-Hamman also stressed the importance of professional diagnosis, warning against self-diagnosis. “If someone is bitten and unsure of the cause, they should come to the hospital so we can confirm it. Our facility in Kaltungo is well equipped to identify snakebites,” he said.
Addressing the dangers of tying a limb, he explained, “Tying a piece of cloth localizes the venom, blocking blood supply to the area. Venom spreads quickly, and restricting circulation can worsen the situation.”
He also dismissed misconceptions about intravenous fluids, saying, “Drips do not worsen the condition and have no adverse effects.”
Highlighting the broader neglect of snakebite treatment, Dr. Amani-Hamman called for international support. “While diseases like malaria and maternal health receive global attention, snakebite is often overlooked. The death of someone with a voice should be a wake-up call. International organizations, NGOs, and philanthropists should invest in antivenom and make it accessible to all.”
He advised patients to act quickly: “If you are bitten, go immediately to a hospital. At Kaltungo, we can identify the type of snakebite even without the snake.”
He recounted a similar case from Abuja, where a patient survived after reaching Kaltungo two days post-bite. “If the late singer had come to Gombe, she could have survived,” he said.
The hospital treats around 2,500 snakebite cases annually, maintaining a very low mortality rate. “The main issues arise when patients arrive late or when antivenom is unavailable. In 2025, our mortality rate was just 0.03%,” he noted.
Dr. Amani-Hamman also explained that the recent reported drop in snakebite cases does not reflect improved outcomes. “Many patients now turn to traditional remedies due to the high cost of antivenom, leading to higher mortality when they eventually reach hospitals.”
He reiterated the importance of proper first aid: “Do not use the affected limb, do not tie it, and do not cut the bite. These outdated methods concentrate venom in the area and can block blood flow, creating further complications.”
The cost of treatment remains a major barrier, with a vial of antivenom currently priced at N250,000, making it unaffordable for many patients.
Dr. Abe Musa, a member of the Toxinological Society of Nigeria, also condemned tying wounds, warning, “Venom cannot be stopped with cloth. Immediate hospital care and adequate antivenom doses are essential for survival.”
The Toxinological Society of Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to fund snakebite control programs, noting that Nigeria records approximately 43,000 snakebite cases and 1,900 deaths annually.
