Last Surviving Twin Rescued by Mary Slessor Dies at 115

Madam Malinda Mgbafor Okereke, fondly remembered as the last surviving twin rescued by famed Scottish missionary Mary Slessor during her campaign against the killing of twins in Nigeria, has passed away at the age of 115.

The announcement was made on Thursday in a statement by her only surviving son, Bishop Okechukwu Okereke, who revealed that she died on March 5 after a brief illness.

Madam Mgbafor and her twin sister, Mgbokwo, were born at a time when giving birth to twins was considered an abomination in parts of southeastern Nigeria, particularly in Arochukwu, Abia State. The widespread cultural belief condemned twins as evil, leading to the killing of such children shortly after birth.

However, the arrival of Mary Slessor in the region in the late 1800s marked a turning point. Slessor, who settled in the area for missionary work, famously led the campaign that outlawed the killing of twins and began rescuing them from death.

According to the family statement, the twin sisters were delivered at the missionary maternity unit in Obinagu, Amasu Village, Arochukwu, and were subsequently taken in and cared for by Slessor herself. Both girls were among the earliest children raised and educated under her care.

“The birth of Mgbafor and her twin sister, Mgbokwo, who passed on nearly two decades ago, was not only attended to by Slessor and her team but the twins were later adopted and raised by her,” Bishop Okereke stated.

The late centenarian and her sister received formal education at Mary Slessor Primary School, Arochukwu—now known as Mary Slessor Secondary Technical School—where they learned to speak English fluently. This earned Madam Mgbafor the nickname “Mama Nsu Bekee” (translated as “Mama Who Speaks English”).

“She was strong, always neatly dressed, and full of joy until her last moments,” her son added.

Madam Mgbafor will be laid to rest on Saturday, August 30, at her family home in Amasu, Arochukwu, following a funeral service at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria.

She is survived by a son, as well as grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended relatives.