By Towncriernews
Madam Malinda Mgbafor Okereke, fondly known as Mama Nsu Bekee (“Mama Who Speaks English”), has passed away at the age of 115. She was the last surviving female twin rescued by Scottish missionary Mary Slessor in Arochukwu, Abia State.
Mgbafor and her twin sister, Mgbokwo, were born during a time when twins were seen as a curse and routinely killed Calabar and environs in parts of southern Nigeria, including Arochukwu. Their lives were spared when Slessor, known for her fierce campaign against the killing of twins, intervened in 1876. The missionary not only rescued the girls but also raised and educated them under her care.
Educated at Mary Slessor Primary School in Arochukwu, the twins developed fluency in English—earning Mgbafor her popular nickname. Her sister passed away nearly two decades ago.
Described as vibrant, joyful, Neat and Strong until her final days, Madam Mgbafor died on March 5 after a brief illness. She will be laid to rest on August 30 at her family home in Amasu Village, following a funeral service at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria. She is survived by one son, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family.
Christianity did not only arrive with foreign influence; it also brought light to many ugly practices rooted in ignorance. One clear example is the historical killing of twins in those parts of pre-colonial Africa, a practice born from superstition and fear.
It was through the intervention of Christian missionaries like Mary Slessor that such inhumane acts were challenged and eventually outlawed. She not only rescued countless twins from death but also helped shift cultural attitudes toward compassion and justice.