A public outcry has erupted in Lagos following the tragic deaths of nine-month-old identical twins, less than a day after they received routine vaccines at a government-run health facility. The incident has ignited a fierce debate about immunisation procedures, parental consent, and accountability within Nigeria's primary healthcare system.
Father's Heartbreaking Account of the Tragedy
Samuel Alozie, a TikTok user known as Promise Samuel, has come forward with a devastating story. He stated that his sons, Testimony and Timothy, were taken for their scheduled immunisation at the Ajangbadi Primary Health Centre in Ojo Local Government Area on the morning of 24 December 2025.
According to Alozie, the infants became unusually weak shortly after receiving the injections. Following advice from a nurse, he administered paracetamol, but their condition did not improve. "The drug weakened two of them to the extent they can’t talk, they can’t eat, they can’t play as usual," the grieving father recounted. Tragically, both babies passed away the following morning, on Christmas Day, 25 December 2025.
Serious Allegations Against Health Centre Procedures
In videos shared online, which showed the twins' bodies, Alozie levelled grave accusations against the health centre. He questioned the integrity of the vaccination process, suggesting that the children may have been given expired, counterfeit, or excessive doses of vaccines.
He also raised critical concerns about consent and protocol:
- He alleged that deworming tablets were administered to the infants without his knowledge or permission.
- He noted the presence of an unfamiliar nurse on the day of the immunisation, different from the official who usually handled their visits.
- He firmly rejected claims reportedly made by the centre that the deaths were caused by "food bacteria," demanding a transparent investigation.
Demand for Justice and Independent Investigation
While the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board are yet to issue an official statement, Alozie revealed that an autopsy has been conducted. However, he expressed deep fear that the results might be manipulated, citing a lack of faith in a "government-to-government" process.
"Please, if you’re a lawyer, a human rights lawyer, please help me. I don’t have a lawyer," he appealed publicly, stating his lack of financial resources to pursue the case alone. "People should help me. I need justice for these children."
This case has significantly amplified public discourse on vaccine safety and transparency in Nigerian health facilities. There are growing calls from citizens and advocates for an independent, credible probe into the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking loss, to ensure such a tragedy is never repeated.
