In a heartbreaking turn of events, one twin brother collapsed and died while playing football last year, exactly eight months after his twin sibling met the same fate under eerily similar circumstances. For the sake of clarity, the brothers will be referred to as Twin A and Twin B.
The twins, who completed their National Diploma (ND) program at Bida Polytechnic, were inseparable. Both studied in the Engineering Department, sharing a room and supporting each other academically—Twin A excelled in calculation-based courses, while Twin B was a star in theory-focused subjects. They complemented each other perfectly, often hosting tutorials for their classmates, attending church together, and participating actively in the choir. Twin A played the talking drums, while Twin B mastered the set drums, performing together at nearly every service.
After their ND program, the twins returned home for their one-year Industrial Training (IT) in 2024. It was during this period that Twin A tragically collapsed and died on the football field, leaving Twin B devastated. To make matters worse, their HND admission came through just a week after Twin A’s death.
By January of the following year, Twin B resumed school alone. He returned to the same lodge and room he had shared with his twin during their ND days. Life was far from the same—he now had to attend classes, play in the choir, and face academic challenges alone. Despite the hardship, those who knew him said he remained jovial and tried to cope with the loss. He also assumed the role of class representative, a position he had held alongside his brother. His classmates and neighbors rallied around him, trying to ease his loneliness.
Friends and those close to Twin B noticed he often spoke of seeing his late brother, claiming that Twin A was calling him. Many dismissed it as grief-induced talk. But as the months went on, the visions—or perhaps premonitions—became more frequent.
Then came the fateful day in August. Twin B had been active online with his classmates, joking about an assignment before telling them he was going to “sleep small.” That seemingly innocent message was his last. Witnesses later revealed he left his lodge, boots in hand, and headed to the school football field—despite having stopped playing football after his brother’s death.
During the match, he collapsed mid-game. Panic ensued, and he was rushed to FMC Bida, but he was pronounced dead on arrival. Shock rippled through the school, the church, and the community. Many could not comprehend how a simple plan to rest turned into tragedy.
His burial was conducted in Bida, with only two family members present alongside church members, classmates, and neighbors. Due to tradition, his mother was not informed of the burial site. The entire campus mourned, with services and activities overshadowed by grief. Church leaders, choir members, classmates, and neighbors recounted stories of his playful nature and dedication, shedding tears for a life cut tragically short.
After his passing, some reflected on the spiritual link between twins, noting that one twin’s death can have profound effects on the other. Twin B’s earlier complaints of seeing his brother were seen in a new light, hinting at the deep connection he shared with his late twin.
The loss of these two young men—full of promise, joy, and talent—leaves a painful mark on all who knew them. May their souls rest in peace.
IFE IBEJI (Twins’ Love) 2025
By Peace Chinwendu Okeke