Malam Salisu Nufi’u, the husband of a Kano woman, Hafsatu Yusuf, who died shortly after she was delivered of quintuplets, speaks to HUSSAINI IBRAHIM about the circumstances surrounding her death, her emotional final words, and the overwhelming responsibility he now faces as a father of 14 children

Can you tell us what happened on the day your wife was delivered of quintuplets?

I am a tricycle rider from Hotoro Yandodo in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Kano State.

It started on Tuesday when my wife complained that she was not feeling well. At the time, her expected delivery date showed she still had about six weeks left. Honestly, we did not think it was labour; we assumed it was just normal pregnancy discomfort. As a result, we went to the hospital to find out what was wrong.

What were you told when you got to the hospital?

On the way, I even bought baby items like diapers and small clothes. In my mind, I was preparing for three babies because that was what the scan showed. I never imagined it would be more than that.

At what point did you realise the situation was more serious?

When we arrived at the hospital, the nurses examined her and said she had already gone into labour. They quickly began preparing her. They gave her some medications and asked me to go and buy some other ones. I left immediately to get the drugs and also blood, as they said she might need it.

While I was outside, I received a phone call. They told me she had been delivered of three babies already and that two more were still coming. I was shocked. I told them it could not be true because the scan showed only three babies. I even thought they had mistaken her case for another patient.

How did you confirm she had delivered quintuplets?

At first, I did not believe it. I thought there was confusion at the hospital. But my neighbour, who came with us, called and confirmed it. He told me, ‘It is your wife; she has delivered five babies.’ That was when I rushed back to the ward.

When I got there, the doctors confirmed it. They said she had been safely delivered of five babies: three boys and two girls. I was shocked and confused, but at the same time, I was grateful to God that both the mother and the babies were alive.

Did you speak with your wife after the delivery?

Yes, I spoke with her shortly after the delivery. She was still conscious. We greeted each other normally. She even looked relieved, and I was happy to see her in that condition.

But after some time, she started saying something I will never forget. She told me clearly, ‘I may not survive this. Please take care of our children. Make sure they go to school.’

I told her to stop talking like that. I encouraged her and told her that sickness is not death and that she would be fine. I tried to comfort her so she would not panic. But she kept repeating those words quietly.

When did her condition begin to deteriorate?

After the delivery, she started bleeding. At first, we thought it was normal, but it did not stop. The doctors immediately stepped in and began treating her. They did everything possible.

Whenever her blood level dropped, they brought more blood. Honestly, they tried their best. I saw how the doctors and nurses were working tirelessly to save her life. It was not easy for them either. Despite all their efforts, the bleeding continued. It did not stop.

Were you hopeful during that period?

I was both hopeful and scared at the same time. I kept praying. I believed she would survive because the doctors were working hard. But deep inside, I was afraid because I could see how serious the situation was becoming. Still, I never expected she would die. I held on to hope.

When did you receive the news of her death?

It was around 1 a.m. on Thursday. The hospital called and asked me to come immediately. The tone of the call made me feel that something bad had happened.

I quickly hired a vehicle and went with some of my relatives. When we arrived at the hospital, they told us she had passed away. That moment destroyed me completely. I cannot explain the pain. It felt like the world had stopped.

How did you feel when you saw her body?

It was the most painful moment of my life. I saw her lying there, and I could not believe it. I kept looking at her, hoping she would wake up. But she did not.

I remembered everything she told me, her last words and how she held on after delivery. I broke down completely.

How many children do you now have in total?

We had 10 children before this pregnancy. Unfortunately, we lost one child in the past. Now, with the quintuplets, we have 14 children in total. It is a very big responsibility for me.

How are you coping with the responsibility?

Honestly, I don’t even know where to start. I am just a tricycle rider. I work day and night to feed my family. Now, I have 14 children to take care of.

My biggest fear is how I will fund their feeding, healthcare, and especially their education. That worries me the most.

What do you remember most about your wife?

I remember her voice and her words. She kept telling me that I must take care of the children and ensure they are educated. She repeated it many times.

Even when I told her she would be fine, she insisted. That is what keeps coming back to my mind. I don’t want to fail her.

What is your appeal to the public and the government?

I am begging for help. I cannot do this alone. I need support to raise these children. They need milk, food, clothing, medical care, and education. I am calling on the government, kind-hearted individuals, and organisations to please help me. I am not asking for luxury; I am asking for survival for these children.

How old was your wife?

She was 40 years old.

How old are you?

I am 54 years old.

Do you have any final words?

I still cannot believe my wife is gone. Every time I close my eyes, I see her and hear her voice. But I have no choice but to be strong for the children. I pray God gives me the strength to fulfil her wish; to raise them and ensure they are educated. (The PUNCH)