Umuahia: The last surviving female twin to be rescued by Mary Slessor, a Scottish Missionary in the Arochukwu Ancient Kingdom of Abia, Madam Malinda Mgbafor Okereke, popularly known as Mama Nsu Bekee, has passed away at the age of 115. A statement released by her only surviving son, Bishop Okechukwu Okereke, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), confirmed her death.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the centenarian and her twin sister, Mgbokwo, were born during a time when the harmful traditional practice of killing twins was prevalent in the community. This occurred around the year 1800, when the birth of twins was deemed a taboo in Arochukwu and other communities in the Lower Cross River region, leading to the killing of such newborns shortly before Mary Slessor’s arrival for missionary work.
It is reported that Slessor enforced a ban on twin murder in the region in 1876. Okereke noted that the birth of Mgbafor and her twin sister, Mgbokwo, who passed away almost two decades ago, was attended to by Slessor and her team at their maternity in Obinagu, Amasu Village, Arochukwu. The twins were subsequently adopted and fostered by Slessor herself.
The deceased and her twin sister received formal education at Mary Slessor Primary School, Arochukwu, which is now known as Mary Slessor Secondary Technical School, under the direct care of the Scottish team. This education resulted in their strong command of the English language, earning Madam Mgbafor the nickname ‘Mama Nsu Bekee’ (Mama that speaks English).
Bishop Okechukwu Okereke mentioned that Madam Mgbafor remained strong, always well-dressed, and joyful until her passing on March 5, following a brief illness. He announced that she would be laid to rest on August 30 in her family compound at Amasu, Arochukwu, following a funeral service at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria.
The deceased was a mother of three children, a daughter, and two sons, but is survived by one son, as well as grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous relatives.