Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, award-winning Nigerian author, and Ivara Esege, her husband, have suffered the loss of one of their twin sons.
Nkanu Nnamdi, aged 21 months, died on Wednesday after a brief illness.
Omawumi Ogbe, representative of Adichie, disclosed the death in a statement issued on Thursday.
Confirming the loss, the statement said, “we’re deeply saddened to confirm the passing of one of Ms Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege’s twin boys, Nkanu Nnamdi, who passed on Wednesday, 7th of January 2026, after a brief illness. He was 21 months old.”
The family described the death as devastating and appealed for privacy, saying they were “devastated by this profound loss” and requested that their privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time.
They also requested prayers and understanding as they mourn in private, adding that no further statements would be issued.
The statement concluded with thanks to everyone for respecting the family’s need for seclusion during their period of grief.