Mama Nsu Bekee, Mary Slessor’s Last Surviving Twin, Dies at 115

Umuahia, Abia State – Madam Malinda Mgbafor Okereke, affectionately known as “Mama Nsu Bekee” (Mama that speaks English), the last surviving female twin rescued by pioneering Scottish missionary Mary Slessor in Arochukwu Ancient Kingdom, has passed away at the remarkable age of 115.

A statement released today by her only surviving son, Bishop Okechukwu Okereke, confirmed her death on March 5, 2025, after a brief illness. Her passing marks the end of an era, closing a chapter on a life directly touched by one of Nigeria’s most impactful historical figures.

Born around the year 1800 with her twin sister, Mgbokwo, Madam Okereke’s birth coincided with the deeply entrenched and dangerous traditional practice of killing twins in Arochukwu and the wider Lower Cross River region. Such newborns were considered taboo and often cast into the “evil forest.”

Mary Slessor, who arrived in the area for missionary work, became a formidable force against this harmful practice. Historical accounts confirm Slessor enforced a ban on twin murder in the region starting in 1876.

“The birth of Mgbafor and her twin sister, Mgbokwo, who passed on almost two decades ago, was not only attended to by Slessor and her team at their maternity at Obinagu, Amasu Village, Arochukwu, but the twins were subsequently adopted and fostered by Slessor herself,” Bishop Okereke’s statement detailed.

Under Slessor’s direct care, both Madam Malinda and her sister Mgbokwo received formal education at Mary Slessor Primary School, Arochukwu (now Mary Slessor Secondary Technical School). This education, which provided them with a strong command of the English language, earned Madam Malinda her memorable nickname.

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Bishop Okereke remembered his mother as “strong, always neatly dressed, and full of joy until her last moments.”

Madam Malinda Mgbafor Okereke is survived by her son, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a large extended family.

She will be laid to rest on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in her family compound at Amasu, Arochukwu, following a funeral service at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria.

Her life stands as a testament to resilience, education, and the enduring legacy of Mary Slessor’s humanitarian efforts in Nigeria.