Twin sisters, a medical doctor, Dr Hadiya Usman, and a pharmacist, Dr Aidah Usman, have died days apart after battling sickle cell disease in Yobe State.

Hadiya was undergoing her internship at the Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, in Nguru Local Government Area of the state, while her twin sister, Aidah, was working as a pharmacist at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital before their deaths.

The sisters were daughters of the Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, Prof Hadiza Abdullahi Usman.

A family member of the deceased, Ibrahim Auwal, confirmed the deaths to PUNCH Online on Monday, saying the twin sisters died a few days apart.

He said Hadiyah died first on Friday, while her twin sister, Aidah, passed away on Sunday, after both had battled sickle cell disease.

“It is a very painful development. Hadiyah passed away on Friday, and Aidah followed on Sunday. Both sisters had been battling sickle cell disease, and their deaths are a great loss, particularly to their family, friends and colleagues,” he said.

Auwal said the deaths had left the family devastated, describing the sisters as hardworking young professionals whose passing had come as a shock to their loved ones.

“We are deeply saddened by what has happened. Losing the two sisters within just a few days has been extremely painful for the family. They were both dedicated to their professions and had promising futures ahead of them,” he said.

Hadiyah died on Friday after being admitted to FMC Nguru for about a week following a sickle cell crisis.

Her twin sister, Aidah, was receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital around the same period but reportedly recovered and was discharged.

However, Aidah later died on Sunday.

The sisters were reportedly buried according to Islamic rites. (PUNCH)