Yobe State has been thrown into mourning following the death of twin sisters, Dr Hadiya Usman and Dr Aidah Usman, who died two days apart.
The sisters, both healthcare professionals, reportedly died on Friday, October 2 and Sunday, October 4, 2026, from complications linked to sickle cell disease.
Dr Hadiya, popularly known as Hassana, was a medical doctor, while her twin, Dr Aidah, also known as Usaina, was a Doctor of Pharmacy.
They are daughters of Professor Hadiza Abdullahi Usman, Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Nguru, Yobe State.
Reports indicated that Hadiya had been on admission at FMC Nguru for about a week after suffering a sickle cell crisis before she passed away on Friday.
Her funeral prayer was held at the Emir’s Palace in Nguru on the same day.
Her twin sister, Aidah, who was said to be pregnant and also living with sickle cell disease, had reportedly been receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and had been discharged before Hadiya’s death.
According to reports, Aidah attended her sister’s burial and visited her grave alongside their mother to offer prayers, but collapsed shortly after.
She was rushed to the hospital where she was confirmed dead on Sunday, barely 48 hours after her twin’s death.
The double loss has thrown the family, colleagues and the medical community into grief.
Prof. Hadiza Usman is a Professor of Gynaecological Oncology and Reproductive Health and the first female Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist produced by the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. She was appointed Medical Director of FMC Nguru in November 2022, becoming the first woman to head the institution.
Condolences have continued to pour in from colleagues, friends and associates, with many describing the deaths as a painful loss to the healthcare sector.
The Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, has also confirmed the death of Aidah, describing her as the second twin of its Medical Director.
May Allah forgive their shortcomings and grant them Al-Jannatul Firdaus.