In some interior Igbo towns around Onitsha, it was customary for all unmarried girls to walk about stark naked. This practice hindered the girls from attending meetings, as they felt ashamed. The mission obtained the king’s commitment to alter this custom.
At the time, parts of the social structure included the mmuo (spirits)—men wearing frightening masks representing dead ancestors who punished those whose conduct violated societal laws. Families were fined five goats if they allowed their children to join the church mission (February 24, 1896).
Twins were regarded as an abomination and were carried in mats and thrown into the evil forest. They were often rescued from the mob without their mothers, and many died when their mothers were not rescued to nurse them.
Ogbunike (March 3, 1898)
In Ogbunike, a boy who had been baptised refused to take part in building an idol house. He was thrown into a hole where mud was being trodden and was told the idol would kill him if he insisted on not participating. Thank God, his faith stood the test (March 3, 1898).
Obosi and Surrounding District (1899)
At Obosi, girls who married were required to undergo “some abominable heathen ceremony” when they went to the house of their husband. Any children born before this ceremony were put in earthenware pots and thrown into the bush to die.
Benneth reckoned that as many as 250 babies were abandoned in that district every year (1899).