You might have heard how twins were once killed at birth in parts of Nigeria. But who stopped the killing of twins in Nigeria? It was largely thanks to a Scottish missionary woman named Mary Slessor. Read on to learn more about the incredible woman who fought so hard to stop the killing of twins in Nigeria.
Myths and Beliefs About Twins
Many Nigerian tribes believed that twins were evil or a curse. Twins were seen as a bad omen, and it was thought that the mother had been unfaithful or possessed by an evil spirit. As a result, in some areas, twins were killed after birth.
These myths and beliefs were very strong and caused the death of many twins. People believed that twins were not human and even called them “ogbanje,” which means “children who come and go.” Killing twins was seen as a way to prevent misfortune. Families who did not kill twins were ostracized and faced hardships. Their crops might fail, or they could be outcasts. Twins who survived faced a harsh life and were treated as outcasts. They were seen as a curse and bad luck.
This Practice was carried out in Nigeria’s south-south, south-west, and Southeast. Twin birth was considered taboo in the Southeast. Mothers who gave birth to twins were said to have had an encounter with the devil’s spirit, resulting in the birth of something uncommon or unnatural. Twins were killed or abandoned in the jungle, and the mothers were shunned by their husbands. In the nineteenth century, the Ibibio people of Nigeria had a common practice of killing newborn twins.
Who Stopped the Killing of Twins in Nigeria in What Year?
In 1876, Mary Slessor, a Scottish missionary, was assigned to Efik Land in Calabar, Nigeria. She was 28 years old and demonstrated a real concern for the rights and well-being of women and children. She gradually attempted to change the societal perception that twins were evil. In addition to enlightening and educating the people,
Mary taught the message of Christ. She developed a stronger bond with the people by learning their native dialect, the Efik language, and eating locally produced food. Mary eventually began to dress like the other women in the neighborhood. Without abandoning her faith, she practically accepted some of the locals’ habits of life.
However, speaking out against twin killing was not an easy task; it required ongoing sensitization and education of people who followed this custom. Mary was so committed to overturning the antiquated norm that she began adopting and caring for any abandoned baby left to die at the Mission House. She quickly adopted eight children, who were like family to her, while she continued her missionary work in isolated regions. She later succeeded in converting a few others who became Christians. Mary’s influence was enormous, and in 1892, the British Consul-general, Major Claude MacDonald, appointed her as vice-consul of the Okoyong region.
Mary Slessor was born on December 2, 1848, in Gilcomston, an Aberdeen suburb, as the second of seven children. Only four of them survived childhood. Her father, Robert Slessor, originally from Buchan, was a shoemaker by trade. Mary’s efforts and compassion helped turn the tide against twin killings in Nigeria. Her courage, patience, and faith enabled her to overcome a practice that had endured for centuries. She saved hundreds of lives and gave twins the opportunity to live. Her story serves as an inspiration, reminding us that one person can make a difference against even the gravest of injustices.
By 1915, twins and their moms were thought to be fully assimilated into their societies. Since then, there has been little outside attention paid to cruelty to twins and their mothers. Rumors of recent abuse spurred a January-June 1991 survey of the Efik, Ibibio, and Annang peoples to investigate their attitudes toward twins and their mothers. The majority of the women polled said they would be pleased to have twins. In contrast, 8.9% of polled women thought twins were taboo.
The Influence of Christian Missionaries on Ending Twin Killings
The arrival of Christian missionaries in Nigeria during the 19th century played a crucial role in ending the practice of twin killings. Missionaries vehemently opposed the killings and worked to stop them. They preached that all human life is sacred, including twins, and that the practice went against Christian beliefs.
As missionaries set up schools and churches, they educated Nigerians about the value of all human life. They converted many Nigerians to Christianity, teaching them that twin killings were immoral. Christian Nigerians began speaking out against the practice and refusing to kill their twins.
The missionary campaign against twin killings, combined with the spread of Western education and values, helped turn public opinion against the practice. Local Christian communities provided refuge and protection for twins. Over time, as more Nigerians adopted Christianity and Western beliefs, twin killings became unacceptable and eventually died out in most areas.
So, in summary, Christian missionaries were instrumental in ending twin killings in Nigeria. Through education, preaching, and directly opposing the practice, they helped transform cultural attitudes and save countless lives. Their efforts demonstrate the power of moral conviction and courage against injustice.
Twins Today: Celebrating Twins in Modern Nigeria
Today, twins are highly celebrated in Nigeria. No longer seen as evil or as a curse, twins are honored and revered. Annual twin festivals are held to celebrate twins and recognize them as a special blessing.
Families go out of their way to celebrate the birth of twins. Lavish “twin baby showers” are thrown before the babies are born. When twins are born, families celebrate with feasts, music, and dancing. Twins are given special names reflecting their status, such as “Taiwo,” meaning “first to taste the world,” and “Kehinde,” meaning “last to come.”
Twins are believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to their families and communities. Some Nigerians believe that twins have spiritual or supernatural powers or that they are reincarnated ancestors. Twins are frequently used in advertising and marketing campaigns, as companies believe that featuring twins will bring them good luck and success.
Overall, twins have gone from being outcasts to being highly celebrated and occupying a special place in Nigerian culture. The dramatic shift in beliefs surrounding twins shows how cultures and values can evolve for the better.
Conclusion
What started as a long-held cultural belief that twins were evil somehow turned into the brutal killings of innocent infants. It’s chilling to think about. However, through education and advocacy, the practice was finally abolished. Though the change was slow, it shows that over time, compassion and reason can overcome even the most deeply ingrained inhumanities. Nigeria still faces many struggles, but stopping the senseless murder of twins stands as a shining example of positive progress. There’s hope in that. And hope sustains us through the darkness.