Updated: Chimamanda Adichie loses son

Renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, have lost one of their twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi, PM News reports.

A statement issued on Thursday by Omawumi Ogbe, on behalf of the family, confirmed that the 21-month-old child passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, following a brief illness.

According to the statement, the family is devastated by the loss and has appealed for privacy as they mourn.

“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.

It added that the family has requested grace, prayers, and understanding from the public during what it described as an incredibly difficult period.

“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 family said.