Yobe State has been thrown into mourning following the deaths of twin sisters, Dr Hadiya Usman and Dr Aidah Usman, who died within three days of each other after battling sickle cell disease.
The sisters were both healthcare professionals. Hadiya was a medical doctor undergoing her internship at the Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, while Aidah worked as a pharmacist at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
The deceased were daughters of Prof Hadiza Abdullahi Usman, the Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Nguru.
A family member, Ibrahim Auwal, confirmed the deaths on Monday, revealing that Hadiya died on Friday before Aidah passed away on Sunday.
“It is a very painful development. Hadiyah passed away on Friday, and Aidah followed on Sunday. Both sisters had been battling sickle cell disease, and their deaths are a great loss, particularly to their family, friends and colleagues,” he said.
Hadiya had reportedly spent about a week at FMC Nguru receiving treatment after suffering a sickle cell crisis before she died on Friday.
Her twin, Aidah, was also undergoing treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital during the same period. Although she reportedly improved and was discharged, she later died on Sunday.
Auwal said the deaths had caused deep pain within the family and described the sisters as dedicated professionals who had bright futures ahead of them.
“We are deeply saddened by what has happened. Losing the two sisters within just a few days has been extremely painful for the family. They were both dedicated to their professions and had promising futures ahead of them,” he said.
The sisters were later laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.
