Twin sisters, Dr Hadiya Usman, a medical doctor, and Dr Aidah Usman, a pharmacist, have died days apart after reportedly battling sickle cell disease in Yobe State.

The sisters were daughters of the Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, Prof Hadiza Abdullahi Usman.

Hadiya was undergoing her internship at FMC Nguru, while Aidah worked as a pharmacist at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital before their deaths.

According to PUNCH, a family member, Ibrahim Auwal, confirmed the deaths on Monday, saying Hadiya died on Friday, followed by her twin sister, Aidah, 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 died after sickle cell crisis

According to the family, Hadiya was admitted to FMC Nguru for about a week after suffering a sickle cell crisis before she died on Friday.

Aidah was also receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital around the same period. She reportedly recovered and was discharged before later dying on Sunday.

Auwal said the deaths had devastated the family, describing the sisters as hardworking professionals whose deaths came as a major shock.

“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 subsequently buried according to Islamic rites.