Renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, are mourning the tragic loss of one of their twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi.
The family confirmed in a statement released on Thursday, January 8, 2026, that the 21-month-old child passed away on Wednesday, January 7, after a brief illness.
Omawumi Ogbe, speaking on behalf of the family, said the loss has left them devastated. “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 statement read.
The family has appealed for privacy during this period of profound grief. “We request that their privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time. We ask for your grace and prayers as they mourn in private. No further statements will be made, and we thank the public and the media for respecting their need for seclusion during this period of immense grief,” the statement added.
The tragic news has drawn condolences from literary colleagues, friends, and admirers across the country, with many taking to social media to offer support to the grieving family.
Chimamanda Adichie, celebrated globally for her novels and essays that explore identity, feminism, and Nigerian society, now faces the personal heartbreak of losing a child while continuing to inspire readers worldwide.
