UYO: A Nigerian man, Udeme Etuk Emmanuel, has been left heartbroken after losing his 23-year-old wife, Mary, and their newborn baby during childbirth, just days before their first wedding anniversary.
According to reports, the couple tied the knot on November 2, 2024, and were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child. Sadly, Mary died during delivery a few days ago, and the baby also passed away shortly after birth.
Both mother and child were laid to rest on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Okoyo Community, in Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The tragic news has sparked an outpouring of grief from family, friends, and well-wishers, who took to Facebook to pay emotional tributes to the young woman.
In a heartbreaking post, the bereaved husband, Udeme, wroteOur one-year anniversary wasn’t supposed to be like this. But there you are, lying still, not responding to your sweet names.
Afia Mma, this pain is enormous, and it’s difficult to stay sane… But a small cry here and there will ease the hurting.
Please take care of our beautiful daughter he slept on with you. I celebrate the love that death could never take away.
One of Mary’s cousins, Ini Ekong, also expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, writing: We will all die someday, yes, but not like this. Not in our prime, not when we are close to fulfilling destiny, and definitely not when bringing life into this world.
I lack words. I’m overwhelmed. Dear Mrs. Mary Udeme Emmanuel Etuk, rest in perfect peace. Dear Cousin Udeme, accept my heartfelt condolences. This one pain me Sha. I’m weak.
Another mourner, Fon Felix, shared: Beauty for ashes. She got married at 22 and would have become a mother at 23, but fate said no.
Just a few days to their one-year anniversary, death snatched her and her newborn baby.
Mary was a beauty to behold. Today, their remains have been committed to mother earth. It’s surely a trying and difficult time for the Etuk family.
The tragic incident has drawn sympathy across social media, with many users sending prayers and words of comfort to the grieving husband and families involved.
