THIS DAWN — Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has spoken publicly about the devastating loss of her young son, Nkanu, alleging gross medical negligence at a Lagos hospital.
In a deeply emotional statement, Adichie declared: “I will never survive the loss of my child.”
Her account details how a routine medical preparation for an overseas transfer turned into a nightmare, culminating in the death of her son on January 6, 2026.
Timeline of Events
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Christmas in Lagos:
The family was in Lagos for the holidays when Nkanu developed what initially seemed like a mild cold.
His condition worsened, and he was admitted to Atlantis Hospital.
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Planned Transfer to the US:
Arrangements had been made for Nkanu to travel to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore on January 7, accompanied by Travelling Doctors.
The Hopkins team requested a lumbar puncture and MRI before his arrival.
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Referral to Euracare Hospital:
Atlantis referred the family to Euracare Hospital, said to be the best facility for the procedures.
On January 6, Nkanu was carried by his father into the hospital for sedation and preparation.
The Fatal Procedure
Adichie recounted waiting outside the theater when she noticed medical staff rushing inside.
Soon after, she was informed that Nkanu had been given too much propofol by the anesthesiologist, rendering him unresponsive.
Although resuscitated, he was placed on a ventilator, intubated, and transferred to the ICU.
Within hours, he suffered seizures, cardiac arrest, and ultimately passed away.
Adichie’s statement highlights several lapses:
- Lack of Monitoring: After the overdose, Nkanu was allegedly not monitored.
The anesthesiologist reportedly carried him casually on his shoulder into the theater, leaving uncertainty about when he became unresponsive.
- Oxygen Neglect: Following the central line procedure, the anesthesiologist allegedly switched off Nkanu’s oxygen and again carried him on his shoulder to the ICU.
- Protocol Breach: Adichie described the anesthesiologist as “fatally casual and careless”.
She accused him of failing to follow proper medical protocols.
She emphasized that her son was unwell but stable, scheduled to fly abroad the next day, and only undergoing preparatory procedures.
Wider Concerns
The family has since learned of two previous cases involving the same anesthesiologist allegedly overdosing children.
Adichie questioned why Euracare allowed him to continue working despite such incidents.
Her statement calls for accountability: “This must never happen to another child.”
Adichie’s grief is palpable. She described the ordeal as living her worst nightmare:
“We brought in a child who was unwell but stable…
“And suddenly, our beautiful little boy was gone forever. I will never survive the loss of my child.”
Her words underscore the profound pain of losing a child under circumstances she believes were preventable.
The tragic death of Nkanu has raised urgent questions about medical standards, accountability, and patient safety in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Adichie’s testimony highlights the devastating consequences of alleged negligence and the need for stricter oversight of medical practitioners.
As investigations unfold, the case has become a rallying cry for reform, with Adichie insisting that no family should endure such a loss due to avoidable errors.
