Society Editor
By Tolu Adesuwa Igiehon
Award-winning Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has been thrown into deep mourning following the death of one of her twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi, who passed away at the age of 21 months.
A family statement released on Thursday confirmed that the toddler died on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness. The statement was issued by Omawumi Ogbe, speaking on behalf of Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege.
Describing the loss as heartbreaking, the family said they are struggling to come to terms with the tragedy and appealed for privacy as they grieve.
“We are heartbroken to confirm the passing of one of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege’s twin boys, Nkanu Nnamdi, who died on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, following a brief illness,” the statement read. “He was just 21 months old.”
The family added that the pain of losing a child has left them devastated and asked the public, friends, and the media to respect their need for solitude during this period of profound sorrow.
“We kindly ask for grace, prayers, and understanding as the family mourns privately. No further statements will be issued at this time.”
Since the announcement, messages of condolence have continued to pour in from political leaders, public figures, and admirers across Nigeria and beyond, all expressing sympathy and support for the celebrated author and her family.
