Madam Malinda Mgbafor Okereke, fondly known as “Mama Nsu Bekee,” the last surviving female twin rescued by Scottish missionary Mary Slessor in the Arochukwu Ancient Kingdom of Abia State, has died at the remarkable age of 115.
A statement released on behalf of the family by her only surviving son, Bishop Okechukwu Okereke, and shared with newsmen in Umuahia on Thursday, confirmed her passing.
Madam Mgbafor and her twin sister, Mgbokwo—who passed away nearly 20 years ago—were born at a time when the birth of twins was considered a taboo in Arochukwu and other parts of the Lower Cross River region. Around the year 1800, such births were met with infanticide, as twins were believed to be evil and were cast into the forest.
However, this practice came to an end with the arrival of Mary Slessor, who banned the killing of twins in the area in 1876. Mgbafor and her sister were among the first to be rescued by Slessor and her missionary team, who not only saved them but also adopted and raised them at their mission maternity in Obinagu, Amasu Village, Arochukwu.
The statement noted that the twins received formal education at Mary Slessor Primary School—now Mary Slessor Secondary Technical School—under the direct supervision of Slessor and her Scottish colleagues. Their strong command of English earned Madam Mgbafor the nickname “Mama Nsu Bekee,” meaning “the woman who speaks English.”
“She remained strong, joyful, and always well-dressed until her peaceful passing on March 5, after a brief illness,” Bishop Okereke said.
Her funeral will be held on Saturday, August 30, at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, followed by interment in her family compound at Amasu, Arochukwu.
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Madam Mgbafor is survived by one son, along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended relatives. She was predeceased by a daughter and another son.
