What began as a battle against sickle cell disease ended in a heartbreaking tragedy for a Yobe family, after twin sisters died just two days apart.
Professor Hadiza Abdullahi Usman, Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Nguru, Yobe State, lost her twin daughters, Dr Hadiyah Usman Abdullahi, a medical doctor, and Aidah Usman Abdullahi, a pharmacist, within 48 hours.
Hadiyah died on Friday, October 2, 2026, after reportedly spending about a week at FMC Nguru receiving treatment following a sickle cell crisis.
Her twin sister, Aidah, was receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital around the same period. She reportedly recovered and was discharged.
Hadiyah was buried on Friday after funeral prayers at the Emir’s Palace.
But two days later, tragedy struck again.
Aidah reportedly visited her twin sister’s grave on Sunday, October 4. Shortly after the visit, she suddenly fainted and was rushed to hospital, where she later died.
The Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, confirmed Aidah’s death in a post on its Facebook page, describing her as “the second twin” of Professor Usman.
The loss of the sisters, both healthcare professionals, within two days has plunged their family, colleagues and the wider medical community into mourning.
