Abuja’s quiet residential estate is shrouded in grief and fear following the death of 26-year-old Ifunaya Lucy Nwagene, a talented soprano singer with the Amemuso Choir. The circumstances surrounding her passing are still unclear, but residents point fingers at a large open canal running behind the estate, suspecting a snake bite.
Ifunaya, an Enugu State native, was known for her gentle nature and exceptional voice. Her apartment, now locked and silent, tells a different story. A neighbour, speaking anonymously, revealed that reptiles often emerge from the canal, and it’s likely a cobra entered her home through cracks in the fence or open pipes.
The estate’s security guard, Adams, corroborated the vulnerability of the area, citing inadequate fumigation and gaps in the perimeter fence. Sam C. Ezugwu, Director of the Amemuso Choir, described Ifunaya’s death as devastating, remembering her as a rising star.
As the community mourns, questions linger about estate safety, canal management, and emergency response. The tragedy highlights concerns about living conditions in urban areas and the need for improved safety measures.