Malinda Mgbafor Okereke, the last surviving female twin rescued by Scottish missionary Mary Slessor over a century ago, has passed away at the age of 115.
Her passing was announced in a statement released by her only surviving son, Bishop Okechukwu Okereke, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia on Thursday.
According to the statement, Madam Mgbafor and her late twin sister, Mgbokwo, were born during a period when the killing of twins was a widespread practice in Arochukwu and other parts of the Lower Cross River region.
At the time, twin births were considered taboo, leading to many newborn twins being abandoned or killed in the evil forest.
Mary Slessor, who arrived as a missionary in the late 19th century, fought to end this deadly practice.
In 1876, she successfully enforced a ban on the killing of twins and personally rescued many, including Malinda and her sister.
The statement revealed that the twins were born under Slessor’s care at her maternity center in Obinagu, Amasu Village, Arochukwu, and were later adopted and raised by her.
“The birth of Mgbafor and her twin sister, Mgbokwo, who passed away nearly two decades ago, was not only attended to by Slessor and her team, but the twins were also adopted and fostered by Slessor herself,” the statement partly read.
Under Slessor’s care, the twins received formal education at Mary Slessor Primary School, now known as Mary Slessor Secondary Technical School, Arochukwu.
Madam Mgbafor’s fluency in English earned her the nickname “Mama Nsu Bekee,” meaning “Mama that speaks English.”
Speaking about his mother, Bishop Okechukwu Okereke said:
“She was strong, always neatly dressed, and full of joy until her last moments before her demise on March 5, following a brief illness.”
She is survived by her son, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous relatives.
Her funeral has been scheduled for August 30, with a service to be held at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria before she is laid to rest at her family compound in Amasu, Arochukwu.
