Twin sisters who both worked as medical professionals have died in Yobe State, Nigeria, within 48 hours of each other after suffering sickle cell crises.
Dr Hadiyah Usman and Dr Aidah Usman, both 28, fell seriously ill while receiving treatment in separate hospitals. Their parents are professors, and both sisters were born with sickle cell anaemia.
Hadiyah dies in Nguru
Hadiyah was admitted to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Nguru after a severe crisis. She died on Friday, and her funeral prayers were held at the emir’s palace in Nguru that day.
Meanwhile, Aidah was being treated at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. A family member told Daily Trust that the sisters often became ill around the same time.
The family member said they had grown accustomed to one sister falling ill when the other did. Aidah recovered and was discharged before travelling to Nguru to be with her parents.
Aidah falls ill after visiting her twin’s grave
When she arrived, Aidah asked to visit Hadiyah’s grave. Her mother, Professor Hadiza Usman, was initially concerned but agreed after her daughter insisted.
Ibrahim Hasbunallah, the twins’ uncle and former guardian in Maiduguri, accompanied Aidah to the graveside with her mother, husband and younger sister. He recalled Aidah saying that she could not bear to remain after her twin had died.
After prayers, Aidah stayed at the grave. She later became weak and began shaking before fainting. Her family rushed her to hospital at about 3.30pm on Sunday. She died in the Intensive Care Unit shortly after the Asr prayer, at around 4.10pm.
After prayers, Aidah stayed at the grave. She later became weak and began shaking before fainting. Her family rushed her to hospital at about 3.30pm on Sunday. She died in the Intensive Care Unit shortly after the Asr prayer, at around 4.10pm.
Sisters shared a close bond
The family said the twins spent much of their time together, studying, eating, playing and sleeping side by side. They studied Medicine and Pharmacy at the University of Maiduguri and later worked at FMC Nguru.
Their father confirmed their deaths to Daily Trust but said he was too overcome to speak at length and asked for more time before giving a fuller response.
After the burials, their mother thanked those who had supported the family. “I am deeply touched by the overwhelming show of love, solidarity, prayers and support,” she said.
The sisters’ deaths within days of each other have left their family grieving a profound loss.
