Acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has released a detailed statement explaining the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu. According to her representatives, the statement was originally shared privately with family members and a few close friends before being made public.

In the statement, Adichie recounts that Nkanu, who had initially shown signs of a mild cold during a family visit to Lagos for Christmas, soon developed a serious infection. The child was first admitted to Atlantis Hospital and was scheduled to travel to the United States on January 7, where a team from Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore was ready to receive him. The US team had requested additional tests, including a lumbar puncture and MRI, and plans were made to insert a central line to administer IV medications during the flight.

The family was referred to Euracare Hospital, which was described as the most suitable facility for the procedures. Adichie writes that on the morning of January 6, the family arrived at Euracare with Nkanu in his father’s arms. The child needed to be sedated to prevent movement during the MRI and central line procedure.

According to Adichie, shortly after the procedures began, medical staff rushed into the theater, signaling something had gone wrong. She recounts that the anesthesiologist administered an excessive dose of propofol, leaving Nkanu unresponsive. Efforts to resuscitate him were initially successful, but the child was subsequently intubated, placed on a ventilator, and admitted to the ICU. Hours later, Nkanu suffered seizures and cardiac arrest, resulting in his death.

Adichie emphasizes that her son was never properly monitored after being sedated. She criticized the anesthesiologist for negligence, highlighting that he reportedly carried Nkanu on his shoulder without oxygen monitoring between procedures, ignoring established medical protocols.

Describing the loss as her “worst nightmare,” Adichie expressed profound grief, stating, “We brought in a child who was unwell but stable and scheduled to travel the next day. We came to conduct basic procedures. And suddenly, our beautiful little boy was gone forever.”

The statement also raises serious concerns about Euracare Hospital’s oversight. Adichie claims there have been at least two prior cases involving the same anesthesiologist overdosing children and questioned why he was still allowed to practice. She calls for measures to ensure such negligence never happens again.

Adichie’s statement has resonated widely, with many Nigerians expressing sympathy and outrage on social media. Health experts have also highlighted the importance of strict monitoring protocols for pediatric anesthesia, echoing concerns raised in the statement.

The family’s legal team has not publicly announced any plans for litigation, but Adichie’s statement strongly emphasizes accountability and public awareness regarding medical negligence and patient safety.

As news of the tragic death spreads, the conversation has reignited debates about pediatric care standards, hospital oversight, and the urgent need for regulatory reforms to protect vulnerable patients.