In a heartbreaking development, renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, have lost one of their twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Omawumi Ogbe, on behalf of the family, the 21-month-old baby passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness.

The statement said the family is devastated by the loss, and requested that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.

The statement reads, “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. He was 21 months old.

“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.

“No further statements will be made, and we thank the public and the media for respecting their need for seclusion during this period of immense grief.”

Dele Momodu, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has ruled out the possibility of Atiku Abubakar stepping aside for Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential race.

Atiku, who was the flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 presidential election, formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in November 2025, a move widely seen as a strategic step towards securing the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.

Obi, who finished third in the 2023 poll behind Atiku and winner President Bola Tinubu, also defected from the Labour Party to the ADC last week.

His defection has been interpreted by political observers as part of a broader opposition realignment aimed at mounting a serious challenge to Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The development sparked speculation that Obi could settle for a vice-presidential role on an Atiku-led ticket—claims swiftly mocked by figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo.

However, prominent Obi supporters such as political economist Pat Utomi and activist Aisha Yesufu have warned they would withdraw their support if Obi accept a deputy slot.

Recent rumours suggesting that Atiku might step aside for Obi, based on an alleged agreement for Obi to serve a single four-year term before handing over power in 2031, were firmly dismissed by Momodu.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Momodu said Atiku had no reason to abandon his ambition.

“Several people have asked me to advise former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to voluntarily withdraw from the 2027 presidential race,” Momodu said.

“When I ask them why, they say he is too old—not that he is less healthy than President Bola Tinubu.

“Out of unsubstantiated malice and prejudice, Tinubu can and should contest, but Atiku can’t and shouldn’t contest.”

Momodu argued that attempts to discredit Atiku’s ambition had become a recurring media narrative, insisting that the former vice president’s experience and record set him apart from most of his contemporaries.

“He’s certainly not a saint, but he towers above most of his peers by not being a parasite feeding on the state since he left power in 2007,” he added.

Armed men suspected to be bandits attacked the National Park Service (NPS) office in the Oloka area of Orire Local Government Area, Oyo State.

JomogNews learnt that the attack occurred around 9:00 pm on January 6, 2026, catching the NPS personnel by surprise. Several officers were reportedly killed or injured during the incident.

Further details, including the exact number of casualties, are yet to be confirmed.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, was said to have confirmed the incident.

He said, “Yes, there was an attack by yet to be identified men against the men of the National Park. The Commissioner of Police and other service chiefs are currently on their way to the location.

“Meanwhile, the CP Femi Haruna has deployed tactical teams, Mobile Police Force officers of the NPF and EOD to the affected area to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” he explained.