Last Female Twin Rescued By Mary Slessor Dies At 115

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Madam Malinda Mgbafor Okereke, fondly remembered as Mama Nsu Bekee, has died at the age of 115. 

She was widely recognised as the last surviving female twin rescued by Scottish missionary Mary Slessor in the Arochukwu Ancient Kingdom of Abia State over a century ago.

Her passing was announced in a statement issued by her only surviving son, Bishop Okechukwu Okereke, and made available to the press in Umuahia on Thursday.

Born during a time when twin births were considered a taboo in Arochukwu and other parts of the Lower Cross River region, Mgbafor and her twin sister, Mgbokwo, narrowly escaped the widespread practice of killing such children. This harmful tradition prevailed until shortly before Mary Slessor’s intervention in 1876, which led to the abolition of twin killings in the region.

The twins were reportedly born around 1800 and attended to by Mary Slessor and her team at their maternity home in Obinagu, Amasu Village, Arochukwu. Following their birth, they were adopted and raised by Slessor herself.

According to the family statement, the sisters received early education at Mary Slessor Primary School—now Mary Slessor Secondary Technical School—where they were cared for by the Scottish missionaries. Their exposure to formal learning and the English language earned Mgbafor the nickname Mama Nsu Bekee (Mama that speaks English).

Her twin sister, Mgbokwo, passed away nearly twenty years ago.

Bishop Okereke described his mother as vibrant, neatly dressed, and joyful until her passing on March 5, following a brief illness.

Her burial is scheduled for Saturday, August 30, at the family compound in Amasu, Arochukwu. A funeral service will precede the interment at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria.

Madam Mgbafor is survived by one son, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous extended relatives. She had three children in total—one daughter and two sons.

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