Aba Women’s Riot

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Hello, my brilliant learner! I hope you’re having a great day. Have you ever heard of a time when women stood up to fight for their rights in Nigeria? Today, we will learn about the Aba Women’s Riot, one of the most powerful protests in Nigerian history. This is the story of brave women who refused to be treated unfairly. Let’s get started!

Aba Women’s Riot

Imagine if someone suddenly told your mother or aunt to start paying heavy taxes without any reason. How do you think they would react? In 1929, in Aba, Abia State, British colonial rulers tried to introduce new taxes on market women. But these women refused to accept it. Instead, they protested and fought for justice. This event is known as the Aba Women’s Riot, also called the Women’s War.

Why Did the Women Protest?
During colonial rule, the British controlled Nigeria and made many unfair laws. They already taxed men, but in 1929, they tried to tax women, especially those selling in the markets. This made the women very angry because they were already struggling to make ends meet.

How Did the Protest Start?
In November 1929, the British tax officers, led by Warrant Chiefs, started counting the number of women in different towns. The women realised that this was a way of preparing to tax them. One of the first women to challenge this was Nwanyeruwa, a widow from Oloko, who told the tax officers she would not pay.

She gathered other women, and together, they marched in large numbers, singing, dancing, and demanding that the taxes be stopped. Soon, over 10,000 women from Igbo, Ibibio, and other ethnic groups joined the protest.

How Did the British React?

At first, the British ignored the women, but when they saw how serious the protest was, they sent soldiers and police officers. Sadly, the police shot and killed about 50 women, and many others were injured. But the women did not give up.

The Outcome of the Riot

Because of the women’s bravery, the British government was forced to cancel the new taxes and remove the corrupt Warrant Chiefs. The protest showed that women had power and should be involved in decision-making. Imagine your school suddenly announces that all pupils must pay extra money every day, even though they already pay fees. Wouldn’t that be unfair? The Aba women felt the same way and decided to stand up for their rights. Their courage teaches us to always speak up against injustice.

Conclusion
The Aba Women’s Riot of 1929 was a major protest by Nigerian women against unfair taxation by British colonial rulers. The women of Aba and surrounding areas stood together, fought bravely, and forced the British to change their policies. Their bravery is an important part of Nigeria’s history.

Evaluation

1. In what year did the Aba Women’s Riot happen?
2. Why did the women protest?
3. Who was the woman that first challenged the British tax officers?
4. What happened to the Warrant Chiefs after the protest?
5. How did the riot help Nigerian women?

Well done, my smart learner! You have learned about the Aba Women’s Riot and the power of standing up for what is right. Remember, your voice matters, and you can make a difference in your community. Keep learning and believing in yourself! See you in the next lesson with Afrilearn!

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