Tragedy struck in Kano on Thursday as a woman, Hafsat Yusuf, died hours after giving birth to quintuplets at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.
The woman had successfully delivered five babies, three boys and two girls on Wednesday afternoon through a Caesarean section at the hospital.
Her husband, Salisu Nafiu, confirmed that she passed away in the early hours of Thursday, at about 1 a.m., describing the loss as devastating for the family.
“She delivered the babies successfully in the afternoon, but we lost her in the early hours of today,” Nafiu said. “It is a painful loss for our family.”
Despite the tragic development, all five newborns are reported to be alive and receiving medical care under close supervision.
“The babies are stable and receiving proper care from the doctors,” Nafiu added.
The birth, which took place at about 2 p.m. on Wednesday, marked Hafsat’s ninth delivery.
According to her husband, she had previously given birth to twins, making the latest development both remarkable and emotionally overwhelming.
Medical personnel at the hospital have continued to monitor the infants closely to ensure their survival and healthy development.
A source at the facility said, “The babies are being given specialised attention to ensure their survival and healthy development.”
Earlier, the Kano State Ministry of Health had announced that the government would take full responsibility for the medical care of the quintuplets.
“The government is committed to supporting the children and ensuring they receive the best possible healthcare services,” the ministry said in a statement.
The intervention, according to officials, is part of broader efforts to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services and reduce mortality rates across the state.
The incident has drawn widespread sympathy from residents, many of whom described it as a heartbreaking mix of joy and sorrow for the bereaved family.
