In a remarkable and rare occurrence, 56-year-old Islamic cleric Yahya Nafiu from Ilorin, Kwara State, has confirmed that his wife, Latoyossi Alake, recently gave birth to 11 babies.
The extraordinary event took place at a traditional birth attendant’s home in Porto-Novo, Benin Republic, between July 7 and August 14, 2024.
Speaking in a telephone interview with The Punch on Wednesday, Yahya shared the joyous yet bittersweet news.
“Yes, it is true that my wife gave birth to 11 children after a long period of pregnancy. They are eight boys and three girls,” he said.
Unfortunately, two of the babies were lost at birth, leaving nine surviving infants.
The births occurred over two months, with some babies born on July 7 and others on August 14. Despite the joy of welcoming nine healthy children, Yahya expressed deep concern over the financial challenges his family now faces.
“One other major challenge that we are now facing before we could bring the children home to Ilorin to show them to my parents is how to raise money for the marriage rites, as well as medical bill and police report,” he lamented.
Yahya called on both the federal and state governments, as well as well-meaning individuals, to assist his family in covering the significant costs associated with the birth and care of the newborns.
“We are really in need of support,” he appealed.
The cleric’s elder brother, Azakariyau Nafiu, also confirmed the incredible development.
Additionally, Abdulmumini Abdulmalik, the National President of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union, verified that the father of the children hails from the Onikeke Compound in the Popo Giwa area of Ilorin.
As the family navigates this overwhelming and joyous time, their plea for assistance has resonated with the local community, and the story of these miracle babies is quickly spreading, capturing the attention of many across the region.