A Bauchi State resident, Muhammad Ibrahim, has cancelled his wedding ceremony after medical tests revealed he is not genetically compatible with his fiancée, Fatima Abdulqadir.
In a Facebook post shared on 21 November 2024, Ibrahim announced the decision to call off the wedding, which was scheduled for 29 November 2024.
He explained that both he and his fiancée were AS genotype carriers, posing a significant risk of having children with sickle cell disease.
Ibrahim, a Zoology graduate from Bauchi State University, disclosed that they discovered this only last month after undergoing tests at two separate hospitals to confirm the results.
Saturday PUNCH gathered that the couple had been in a three-year relationship but had not prioritised genotype testing, assuming there would be no issues.
In the Facebook post, Ibrahim wrote, “Dear friends and family, it’s with an incredibly heavy heart that I regretfully announce the cancellation of my upcoming wedding.
“Due to unforeseen genetic compatibility issues, my partner and I have made the difficult decision to go our separate ways”.
He described the news as a “devastating shock”, adding that their inability to proceed with the wedding had left him heartbroken.
Speaking with The PUNCH, Ibrahim said some family members encouraged him and his fiancée to proceed with their plans, but they declined.
He noted that the decision was made out of concern for potential health risks associated with having children who might inherit the sickle cell gene.
Meanwhile, the couple’s decision drew sympathy from their social media friends, with many commending their courage.
Ibrahim concluded his post by asking for prayers and understanding during what he described as a “dark hour”.
“It’s for the unborn children not to suffer,” one commenter wrote.
Another added, “This is a wake-up call for everyone to prioritise genotype testing early in relationships”.
