librairie mollat, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, are mourning the loss of one of their twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi, who passed away at the age of 21 months.
The child reportedly died on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, following a brief illness, according to a statement released on Thursday on behalf of the family.
In the carefully worded announcement, the family described the loss as devastating and appealed for understanding and privacy as they grieve.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of one of Ms Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege’s twin boys, Nkanu Nnamdi,” the statement read. “He passed on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness. He was 21 months old.”
The family emphasised that this is an intensely painful period and asked the public and media to respect their decision to mourn away from public attention.
“The family is devastated by this profound loss and humbly requests privacy during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement continued. “We ask for grace and prayers as they grieve in seclusion.”
No additional details surrounding the child’s illness were disclosed, and the family indicated that no further statements would be issued.
Chimamanda Adichie, one of Africa’s most celebrated literary voices, is globally admired for her works exploring identity, womanhood, family, and human vulnerability.
Adichie has kept details of her motherhood largely away from public view. It is, however, understood that the twins were born in 2024, a period during which the award-winning writer quietly balanced family life with her literary engagements.
True to form, the author has rarely spoken publicly about her children, choosing instead to shield them from public scrutiny.
The loss has drawn quiet sympathy from readers and admirers worldwide, though many have echoed the family’s call for restraint and respect.
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