Twin sisters, Dr. Hadiyah Usman and Dr. Aidah Usman, have died 48 hours apart in Yobe State after suffering complications linked to sickle cell anaemia.
The 28-year-old sisters were children of Professor Hadiza Abdullahi Usman, the Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, and Professor Usman Abdullahi, a senior consultant.
Hadiyah reportedly suffered a sickle cell crisis and was admitted to the Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, where she later died on Friday. Her funeral prayer was conducted the same day at the Emir’s Palace in Nguru.
At about the same time, her twin sister, Aidah, was receiving treatment for a similar crisis at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
A family member said the sisters had experienced a strong connection throughout their lives, noting that they often became ill around the same time even when they were in different locations.
According to the family, Aidah recovered and was discharged from the hospital before travelling to Nguru to mourn her twin sister.
Upon her arrival, Aidah reportedly insisted on visiting Hadiyah’s grave despite concerns from their mother, who was initially uncomfortable with the idea.
Ibrahim Hasbunallah, an uncle who served as their guardian in Maiduguri, said he had held both sisters shortly after they were born and later participated in burying them, first on Friday and then on Sunday.
He described the sisters as exceptionally close, saying they spent most of their time together, reading, eating, playing and sleeping together.
Despite living with sickle cell anaemia, the twins reportedly excelled academically and gained admission to study Medicine and Pharmacy at the University of Maiduguri. After completing their studies, they worked at the Federal Medical Centre, Nguru.
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Hasbunallah said the sisters were receiving treatment at different hospitals when their mother was away in Saudi Arabia.
He said Hadiyah died before their mother could return, while Aidah died shortly after their mother arrived back in the country.
According to him, Aidah was determined to visit her sister’s grave and repeatedly said she wanted to follow her twin.
At the graveside, Aidah reportedly became weak and started shaking before she fainted. Her husband and younger sister attempted to support her before she was rushed to the hospital at about 3:30 p.m.
She was taken to the Intensive Care Unit but died shortly after the Asr prayer, at about 4:10 p.m.
The twins’ father confirmed the deaths but was reportedly too emotional to speak extensively about the tragedy.
In a message following the burial, their mother expressed gratitude to relatives, friends, colleagues, professional associations, religious leaders, traditional rulers, government officials, hospital staff and others who supported the family during the difficult period.
She said she was deeply touched by the prayers, love, solidarity and support extended to the family.
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