Ibeji (Twins)
The twins phenomenon, in spite scientific explanations, remains a wonder and continues to arouse beliefs in the spiritual.
Today, twins are everywhere.
For a while, scientists believed most of human behaviour is influenced by the environment however, recent research in twins reveals that genes are partly responsible.
Igbo Ora, a commune in Oyo State, Nigeria, is known to have a staggering population of twins, one that is unequalled in other 35 Nigerian states. See BBC’s post on the same.
Only decades ago, twins were considered an abomination in South South Nigeria. The Calabars, an ethnic group in the region, believed the phenomenon was a curse and for a long time the tradition of twins genocide prevailed. That was until Mary Slessor stepped in, ending the tragedy.
Too quickly, we have forgotten the injustice these phenomenal children suffered. But then, how does a nation compensate for decades of twins massacre?
