Man Seeks Help After Wife Gives Birth to 11 Babies in Benin Republic

A 56-year-old man from Ilorin, Kwara State, Yahaya Nafiu, is making a heartfelt plea for financial help after his wife, Alake Nafiu, 54, gave birth to an extraordinary number of babies in Benin Republic.

The couple are based in Port Novo Ajasse, Cotonou, where Alake delivered 11 babies, comprising eight boys and three girls. Tragically, two of the girls did not survive the delivery, but the remaining nine are reported to be in good health.

Nafiu, who is grappling with substantial financial strains, has appealed for assistance to cover the extensive costs associated with caring for his newborns and their mother. “One major challenge we face before bringing the children home to Ilorin to show them to my parents is raising money for marriage rites, medical bills, and a police report,” he lamented.

The births occurred in two separate deliveries: the first on July 7, 2024, and the second batch on August 14, 2024. Following the initial delivery, Alake experienced unusual movements in her abdomen, prompting a scan that revealed additional babies. Nafiu then sought the help of the original birth attendant to manage the delivery of the subsequent five babies.

Nafiu described the experience as a divine miracle, noting that Alake’s pregnancy extended over three years. He recounted challenges in determining her pregnancy status at the hospital, attributing unsuccessful attempts to spiritual factors.

In response to the news, Alh Abdulmumini Abdulmalik, the national president of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), confirmed Nafiu’s origins from the Onikeke Compound in the Popo Giwa area of Ilorin. Abdulmalik expressed joy over the birth of the decuplets and extended congratulations to the family.

“We celebrate this historic event alongside the Emir of Ilorin, Alh Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and urge both the government and philanthropists from the Ilorin Emirate to extend their support to Nafiu, helping him manage this remarkable but challenging situation,” Abdulmalik said.