A Kano-based tricycle rider, Malam Salisu Nufi’u, has cried out for urgent assistance following the death of his wife, Hafsatu Yusuf, shortly after she delivered quintuplets, leaving him with the daunting responsibility of caring for 14 children.
Nufi’u, who resides in Hotoro Yandodo in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, said the incident has plunged his family into grief and uncertainty, describing his situation as overwhelming.
Speaking on the tragic development, the 54-year-old said his late wife had complained of discomfort days before the incident, despite having about six weeks left to her expected delivery date.
He explained that what initially appeared to be routine pregnancy symptoms turned out to be premature labour.
“We didn’t think it was labour. We assumed it was normal pregnancy discomfort, so we went to the hospital. On the way, I even bought baby items because the scan showed we were expecting triplets,” he said.
According to him, the situation escalated rapidly upon arrival at the hospital, where medical personnel confirmed that his wife had already gone into labour.
He added that he was asked to procure drugs and blood, but was shocked when he received a call that his wife had delivered three babies and was still in labour.
“I thought there was a mistake because the scan showed only three babies. But when I got back, the doctors confirmed she had delivered five babies—three boys and two girls,” he said.
Nufi’u noted that although he was initially relieved that both mother and babies survived the delivery, the situation took a tragic turn shortly after.
He recalled that his wife, while still conscious, expressed fears about her survival and repeatedly urged him to take care of their children.
“She told me, ‘I may not survive this. Please take care of our children and make sure they go to school.’ I tried to encourage her, but she kept repeating it,” he said.
He disclosed that complications set in when she began to bleed excessively after delivery.
“The doctors tried their best. They kept giving her blood and worked tirelessly, but the bleeding did not stop,” he added.
The distraught father said he was later summoned to the hospital around 1am on Thursday, where he was informed of her death.
“That moment broke me. When I saw her body, I could not believe it. I kept hoping she would wake up, but she didn’t,” he said.
Nufi’u revealed that he had 10 children before the latest delivery, though one had died earlier, bringing the number of surviving children to 14.
He lamented that his meagre income as a tricycle rider is insufficient to cater for the children’s basic needs.
“I don’t even know where to start. My biggest fear is how to feed them, take care of their health, and send them to school,” he said.
The grieving father appealed to the government, organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians for support.
“I cannot do this alone. The children need food, milk, clothes, medical care, and education. I am begging for help. I am not asking for luxury, just survival,” he pleaded.
He described his late wife, who died at the age of 40, as a devoted mother whose final wish was the well-being and education of her children.
“I keep hearing her voice, telling me to take care of the children. I just pray God gives me the strength to fulfil her wish,” he added.
