Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie mourns the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi. The boy died on January 7, 2026, after procedures at Euracare Hospital in Lagos. This event raises serious questions about medical practices in Nigeria.
The Incident
Adichie took her son to the hospital on January 6 for an MRI scan and central line insertion. Doctors prepared him for evacuation to the United States. They sedated Nkanu with propofol to keep him still during the procedures.
However complications arose quickly. Nkanu became unresponsive after receiving the sedative. Staff resuscitated him, but his condition worsened.
Allegations of Negligence
Adichie accuses the anaesthetist of giving an excessive dose of propofol. She claims the team failed to monitor Nkanu properly afterward. Additionally the anaesthetist switched off his oxygen and carried him to the ICU without care.
As a result, Nkanu suffered seizures and cardiac arrest. Adichie states her son would still live if not for these errors. She labels the actions as criminally negligent and notes prior overdoses by the same doctor.
NSA’s Response
The Nigerian Society of Anaesthetists monitors the case closely. President Prof. Alhassan Mohammed confirms they await more details. Meanwhile, the society may form an independent panel to investigate.
This panel will check registrations, protocols, and negligence. NSA focuses on preventing future incidents. Therefore they urge families to report issues promptly.
Public Reactions
Nigerians express deep sympathy online. Peter Obi commiserates with Adichie and calls for justice. Social media buzzes with demands for better healthcare standards.
Furthermore, news outlets highlight the tragedy. People share stories of similar experiences. This outpouring pushes for reforms in medical oversight.
Path Forward
Adichie demands accountability to protect other children. Euracare Hospital faces scrutiny as investigations proceed. Moreover this case could improve safety in Nigerian hospitals.
The family requests privacy during grief. Yet their story inspires change. Society must act to ensure trust in healthcare systems.
