A KANO-BASED tricycle rider, Malam Salisu Nafi’u, has recounted the painful circumstances surrounding the death of his wife, Hafsatu Yusuf, who died shortly after giving birth to quintuplets, leaving behind a large family and a grieving household struggling to cope with the loss.
Speaking in an emotional interview with News Point Nigeria, the widower detailed how what began as a routine hospital visit quickly spiralled into a life-altering tragedy.
According to Nafi’u, the incident began on a Tuesday when his wife complained of discomfort, despite having about six weeks left before her expected delivery date.
“I thought it was just normal pregnancy stress,” he said. “We went to the hospital just to check what was wrong.”
On the way, he even purchased baby items, preparing for what he believed would be the birth of triplets, based on earlier medical scans.
However, upon arrival at the hospital, doctors quickly discovered that Hafsatu had already gone into labour.
“They told me she was in labour and asked me to get drugs and blood,” he recalled.
Shock of Quintuplets
While outside the hospital sourcing medical supplies, Nafi’u received a shocking call his wife had delivered not three, but five babies.
“At first, I didn’t believe it. I thought it was a mistake,” he said. “But when my neighbour confirmed it, I rushed back.”
Doctors later confirmed that Hafsatu had delivered quintuplets, three boys and two girls safely.
“I was confused but grateful that both the mother and babies were alive,” he said.
Shortly after delivery, Hafsatu spoke to her husband, a conversation that would later haunt him.
“She told me, ‘I may not survive this. Please take care of our children. Make sure they go to school,’” he recounted.
“I told her not to speak like that. I encouraged her, but she kept repeating those words.”
Moments later, her condition worsened as she began bleeding heavily.
“At first, we thought it was normal, but it didn’t stop,” he said.
Medical staff reportedly worked tirelessly, administering blood transfusions and emergency care in a desperate attempt to save her life.
“The doctors tried their best. I saw their effort. But the bleeding would not stop,” he added.
Around 1 a.m. on Thursday, Nafi’u received an urgent call from the hospital.
“The way they spoke, I knew something was wrong,” he said.
When he arrived, his worst fears were confirmed his wife had died.
“That moment destroyed me completely. I cannot explain the pain,” he said.
Seeing her body was even more devastating.
“I kept hoping she would wake up. But she didn’t,” he said, struggling to hold back tears.
A Father of 14 Faces Uncertain Future
Before the pregnancy, the couple had 10 children, though they had lost one in the past. With the birth of the quintuplets, Nufi’u is now left to care for 14 children alone.
“It is a very big responsibility,” he said.
As a tricycle rider in Hotoro Yan’dodo, he expressed deep concern about how he will meet the needs of such a large family.
“My biggest fear is feeding them, taking care of their health, and especially their education,” he said.
Overwhelmed by the burden, the grieving father has appealed to the government and the public for assistance.
“I cannot do this alone,” he said. “I am begging for help for food, milk, medical care, and education for the children.”
He stressed that he is not seeking luxury but basic survival.
For Nafi’u, the most enduring memory of his late wife is her final plea.
“She kept telling me to take care of the children and ensure they are educated,” he said.
Now, he says his greatest mission is to honour that wish.
“I pray Allah gives me the strength to raise them and not fail her,” he added.