Medical tragedy: Nigerian doctor and pharmacist twins die two days apart from sickle cell complications
Nguru, Yobe State — 5 October 2026
The Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Nguru, Professor Hadiza Abdullahi Usman, is mourning the loss of her twin daughters, a medical doctor and a pharmacist, who died two days apart following complications associated with sickle cell disease.
The sisters, Dr Hadiyah Usman Abdullahi and Pharm Aidah Usman Abdullahi, were both healthcare professionals.
Hadiyah died on Friday, 2 October, after being admitted at FMC Nguru following a sickle cell crisis, according to reports. Her twin sister, Aidah, died two days later.
Doctor dies after sickle cell crisis
Hadiyah, a medical doctor, had reportedly spent about a week receiving treatment at FMC Nguru before her death.
The hospital announced funeral prayers for her at the Emir’s Palace in Nguru on Friday evening.
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The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors also mourned Hadiyah, identifying her as a medical officer in the Department of Haematology at FMC Nguru.
Her death came as the family was already dealing with the challenges associated with sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder that can cause episodes of severe pain and potentially life-threatening complications.
Twin sister dies two days later
Aidah, a pharmacist, had reportedly been receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital around the same period.
She was said to have recovered and been discharged before attending her twin sister’s burial.
According to reports, Aidah later visited Hadiyah’s grave, where she reportedly collapsed. She was taken to hospital but died on Sunday, two days after her sister.
FMC Nguru subsequently confirmed her death, referring to Aidah as the second twin of Professor Usman.
Mother at the centre of Nigeria’s healthcare system
The sisters were daughters of Professor Hadiza Abdullahi Usman, a Professor of Gynaecological Oncology and Reproductive Health and the serving Medical Director of FMC Nguru.
Professor Usman has more than three decades of experience across clinical medicine, academia and healthcare administration. She became the fourth Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of FMC Nguru in November 2022 and is the first woman to hold the position.
FMC Nguru is a federal tertiary healthcare institution serving Yobe State and surrounding communities, with responsibilities spanning specialist healthcare, medical education, training and research.
The deaths of Hadiyah and Aidah have prompted an outpouring of condolences from colleagues and members of Nigeria’s medical and pharmaceutical communities.
The wider sickle cell challenge
Sickle cell disease remains a significant health challenge in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa. It is a genetic blood disorder in which abnormal haemoglobin can cause red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped, restricting blood flow and leading to recurrent pain and other serious complications.
Nigeria has one of the world’s largest populations of people living with sickle cell disease, making early diagnosis, comprehensive care, access to specialist services and public awareness particularly important.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has developed a national guideline for sickle cell disease management, reflecting the need for coordinated care for people living with the condition.
For healthcare professionals and families affected by sickle cell disease, the deaths of the twin sisters are a deeply painful reminder of the potentially severe consequences of the condition and the importance of sustained access to quality care.
As colleagues mourn two young healthcare professionals lost within days of each other, condolences continue to go out to Professor Hadiza Usman and the entire family.
Fellow Nurses Africa extends its condolences to the Usman family and to the medical and pharmaceutical communities mourning Hadiyah and Aidah. May their souls rest in peace.
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Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing, we educate, inform and support nurses across Africa.
Charles Wealth is an accomplished healthcare administrator with decades of hands-on experience across various healthcare organizations in Nigeria and beyond. Known for his strategic leadership, operational excellence, and deep commitment to advancing the nursing profession, Charles brings a wealth of expertise to healthcare management, policy, and professional development.
As a co-founder and Editor at Fellow Nurses Africa, he plays a pivotal role in shaping content that educates, inspires, and unites nurses across the continent. His editorial vision focuses on amplifying the voices of nurses, highlighting best practices, addressing contemporary challenges in healthcare, and promoting professional growth within the nursing community.
With a strong background in healthcare administration, Charles is passionate about bridging the gap between clinical practice and effective leadership. He continues to contribute significantly to the development of robust healthcare systems and the empowerment of nurses through knowledge sharing and advocacy.
