Tragedy has struck the family of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie following the death of one of her one-year-old twin sons.
According to the BBC, the award-winning novelist lost her son, Nkanu Nnamdi, who reportedly died after a brief illness on January 7. The sad development was confirmed in an official statement issued by Adichie’s communications team on Thursday, January 8.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of one of Ms Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege’s twin boys, Nkanu Nnamdi, who passed away on Wednesday,” the statement said.
Describing the loss as devastating, the family appealed for privacy as they mourn. “The family is heartbroken by this profound loss and respectfully asks that their privacy be honoured during this incredibly difficult time. We appreciate your grace and prayers as they grieve in private,” the statement added.
The family also noted that no further statements would be made.
Adichie married her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, in 2009. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in 2016, and became parents again in 2024 with the birth of twin boys via surrogate.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential literary figures, celebrated globally for her works exploring identity, feminism, love, war, and post-colonial African experiences.
