A Mother’s Double Tragedy: Doctor, Pharmacist Twin Sisters Die Two Days Apart
By Matthew Eloyi
The deaths of twin sisters, both healthcare professionals, have plunged the family of Professor Hadiza Abdullahi Usman, Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Nguru, Yobe State, into mourning after the siblings died two days apart following complications associated with sickle cell disease.
The sisters, Dr Hadiyah Usman Abdullahi, a medical doctor, and Aidah Usman Abdullahi, a pharmacist, died on Friday, October 2, and Sunday, October 4, 2026, respectively, in a heartbreaking sequence of events that has drawn attention to the devastating toll of sickle cell disease.
For their mother, Professor Usman, the loss was not just that of two daughters but of twin siblings whose lives and professional callings were closely intertwined.
Hadiyah reportedly died at FMC Nguru after spending about a week in the hospital, where she was receiving treatment following a sickle cell crisis.
Her death was followed by the burial attended by family members, friends and sympathisers, with funeral prayers held at the Emir’s Palace in Nguru on Friday.
While the family was still coming to terms with the loss, another tragedy unfolded.
Aidah, who had been receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital around the same period, reportedly recovered sufficiently to be discharged.
However, two days after her twin sister’s burial, she visited Hadiyah’s grave, a poignant gesture that preceded her sudden collapse.
Aidah reportedly fainted shortly after visiting the grave and was rushed to a hospital, where she later died.
The circumstances surrounding her sudden collapse added another layer of grief to an already devastating loss, leaving the family mourning the deaths of both daughters within 48 hours.
FMC Nguru confirmed Aidah’s death in a post on its Facebook page, describing her as “the second twin” of Professor Usman.
The deaths of the sisters have brought renewed attention to sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder that can cause severe pain, organ damage and other life-threatening complications.
Sickle cell disease affects the shape and function of red blood cells, potentially obstructing blood flow and depriving parts of the body of oxygen. Although advances in diagnosis, treatment and supportive care have improved outcomes for many patients, the condition remains a significant health challenge.
For families living with the disease, recurring crises can bring emotional, physical and financial strain, often requiring sustained medical attention and support.
The tragedy is particularly poignant because both sisters had pursued careers dedicated to healthcare. Hadiyah trained as a medical doctor, while Aidah became a pharmacist—professions that place them among those committed to protecting and improving lives.
Their deaths have left behind a painful reminder that medical knowledge and professional achievement do not shield individuals or their families from the challenges posed by serious illnesses.
As the family grieves the loss of the twins, their story stands as a sobering reflection on the human cost of sickle cell disease and the profound grief that can follow the loss of loved ones in rapid succession.
