Professor Hadiza Abdullahi Usman, Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Nguru, Yobe State, is mourning the tragic loss of her twin daughters, Dr Hadiyah Usman Abdullahi and Aidah Usman Abdullahi, who died two days apart.
The sisters were both healthcare professionals. Hadiyah was a medical doctor undergoing her internship at FMC Nguru, while her twin sister, Aidah, worked as a pharmacist at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
According to a family member, Ibrahim Auwal, Hadiyah died on Friday after reportedly spending about a week receiving treatment at FMC Nguru following a sickle cell crisis.
Her death was followed by that of her twin sister, Aidah, on Sunday, just two days later.
Aidah had reportedly been receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital around the same period. She was said to have recovered sufficiently to be discharged before her condition later deteriorated.
Reports said Aidah visited her twin sister’s grave after her discharge but subsequently collapsed and was rushed to a hospital, where she later died. The Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, subsequently confirmed her death, referring to her as the second twin.
Auwal described the deaths as a devastating loss for the family, friends and colleagues of the two women, noting that both had been dedicated professionals with promising careers ahead of them.
“It is a very painful development. Hadiyah passed away on Friday, and Aidah followed on Sunday,” he said, according to the family account reported by news outlets.
The deaths of the sisters have also drawn condolences from members of the medical community and others who knew the family.
Hadiyah and Aidah were subsequently buried according to Islamic rites.
The tragedy has brought renewed attention to the serious health challenges associated with sickle cell disease, particularly during severe crises.
