Umuahia, Nigeria – Madam Malinda Mgbafor Okereke, fondly known as Mama Nsu Bekee, the last surviving female twin rescued by Scottish missionary Mary Slessor in Nigeria’s Arochukwu Ancient Kingdom, has passed away at the remarkable age of 115.
Her death marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of Arochukwu, where Slessor’s missionary work in the late 19th and early 20th centuries brought transformative change by ending the practice of twin infanticide.
According to a statement released by her only surviving son, Bishop Okechukwu Okereke, on behalf of the family, Madam Mgbafor died peacefully in her home in Abia State.
The announcement, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, June 12, 2025, has sparked an outpouring of tributes for a woman whose life symbolized resilience and the enduring legacy of Slessor’s humanitarian efforts.
A Life Shaped by Mary Slessor’s Legacy
Madam Mgbafor and her twin sister, Mgbokwo, were born at a time when twins were considered a bad omen in parts of southeastern Nigeria, often abandoned or killed due to cultural beliefs. In 1876, Mary Slessor, a Scottish Presbyterian missionary, arrived in the region and campaigned tirelessly against this practice.
Her efforts led to a ban on twin infanticide in Arochukwu, saving countless lives, including those of Mgbafor and Mgbokwo.
The twins’ birth was attended by Slessor and her team at their maternity center in Obinagu, Amasu Village, Arochukwu. Slessor not only ensured their survival but also took them under her care, fostering and educating them at the Mary Slessor Primary School (now Mary Slessor Secondary Technical School) in Arochukwu.
This education laid the foundation for Madam Mgbafor’s long and impactful life. Her twin sister, Mgbokwo, passed away nearly two decades ago, leaving Mgbafor as the last living link to this pivotal moment in history.
A Legacy of Family and Community
Madam Mgbafor leaves behind a son, as well as grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a wide network of relatives. She had three children—a daughter and two sons—though only Bishop Okechukwu Okereke survives her.
Known for her warmth and wisdom, she was a respected figure in her community, often sharing stories of her early years under Slessor’s care and the cultural shifts she witnessed over her long life.
Her family described her as a living testament to the power of compassion and courage, crediting Slessor’s intervention for giving her the opportunity to thrive.
“Mama Nsu Bekee was not just a mother to us but a symbol of hope and survival for our people,” Bishop Okereke said in the family’s statement.
“Her life reminds us of the incredible work done by Mary Slessor to protect the vulnerable and change harmful traditions.”
Mary Slessor’s Enduring Impact
Mary Slessor, who arrived in Nigeria in 1876, is celebrated for her work in abolishing practices like twin infanticide, which were rooted in superstition.
Her advocacy extended beyond saving twins, as she established schools, hospitals, and safe havens for women and children.
The story of Madam Mgbafor and her sister Mgbokwo is a powerful example of how Slessor’s interventions reshaped communities and gave rise to generations of educated and empowered individuals.
Historians note that Slessor’s work in Arochukwu and other parts of Nigeria helped lay the groundwork for social reforms that continue to resonate today.
The Mary Slessor Secondary Technical School, where Mgbafor and Mgbokwo were educated, remains a cornerstone of education in the region, symbolizing the missionary’s lasting influence.
Tributes Pour In
News of Madam Mgbafor’s passing has reverberated across Nigeria and beyond, with many taking to social media to honor her life. A post on X by @oyiboediri mourned her loss, stating, “Twin saved by Mary Slessor over 100 years ago, Madam Malinda Mgbeafor Okereke, aka Mama Nsu Bekee, is dead.
May her soul, and those of all the faithful departed, RIP!” Another post by
@vanguardngrnews highlighted her historic significance, calling her “the last surviving female twin rescued by Mary Slessor.”
Local leaders in Arochukwu have called for a commemoration of her life, with plans to honor her contributions to the community.
“Madam Mgbafor’s story is inseparable from the history of Arochukwu,” said a local elder, Chief Nnamdi Eze. “Her long life was a gift, and her legacy will inspire generations.”
A Life Well-Lived
As Arochukwu and Nigeria mourn the loss of Madam Malinda Mgbafor Okereke, her story serves as a reminder of the profound impact one person’s compassion can have on countless lives.
From her rescue by Mary Slessor to her 115 years of resilience, Mama Nsu Bekee’s life bridged a century of change, embodying hope, survival, and the power of education.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced, but the family has indicated that a memorial service will be held to celebrate her extraordinary life.
She is survived by a legacy that continues to inspire, reminding the world of the enduring power of humanitarian work and the strength of those who carry its torch forward.
Source. Vanguard News
