An atmosphere of joy quickly turned to shock at the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Friday, after a man, Adamu Muhammed Tenimu, reportedly fainted upon learning that his wife had delivered a set of triplets—all girls.
According to eyewitnesses, Tenimu was overwhelmed by emotion and collapsed moments after receiving the news. He was promptly revived by hospital staff and concerned onlookers.
While the mother and newborns are said to be in stable condition, Tenimu, a job seeker, shared his inner turmoil moments after regaining consciousness.
“I thank God for this miracle, but I am confused and sad. I didn’t know we were expecting triplets. Right now, we don’t even have the means and financial capacity to pay the hospital bills, let alone care for three babies at once,” he said tearfully.
He further revealed that due to financial constraints, the pregnancy had not been regularly scanned, and the couple had only prepared for one baby.
“This blessing is huge, but so is the burden. I don’t even have money to buy diapers or baby food. I don’t know where to start,” he lamented.
The babies, who weighed 1.8kg, 2.0kg, and 2.3kg at birth, are currently under close observation in the hospital’s neonatal unit and are reportedly doing well.
The emotional delivery has raised concerns, with many calling for a community action.
Family members, friends, and well-wishers have launched a call for support, urging government agencies, NGOs, and kind-hearted Nigerians to assist the struggling family.
“The babies are healthy, but this family needs help. We are calling on the government, NGOs, religious groups, and well-meaning Nigerians to support them,” a relative pleaded.
Mr. Nuhu Alhassan, a colleague of Tenimu, added, “We urge the Kogi State Government and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to intervene. The father is a law-abiding, hardworking man, and this situation deserves attention.”
Sikiru Olamide made the same call for humanitarian support, saying, “The joy of childbirth should not be overshadowed by fear of survival. We must stand together as a people and support this family.”
