Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has lost of her twin boys, Nkanu Nnamdi.

According to The Guardian, the confirmation was made on Wednesday via a statement from Ms Adichie’s communications team, signed by Omawumi Ogbe.

According to the statement, Nkanu Nnamdi, the son of Ms Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, died on Wednesday, after a brief illness. He was 21 months old.

“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,” the statement said.

The family described the loss as devastating and appealed to the public for privacy as they grieve.

“The family is devastated by this profound loss, and we request that their privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time. We ask for your grace and prayers as they mourn in private,” the statement added.

It also noted that no further statements would be made and thanked the public and the media for respecting the family’s need for seclusion during what it described as a period of immense grief.

Ms Adichie, one of Africa’s most celebrated writers, is widely known for works including Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah.