03/04/2024
“IKOT ABASI WOMEN’S RIOT OF 1929”
The Ikot Abasi Women’s Riots of 1929 (Ibibio: Ekong Iban) marked a significant period of unrest in colonial Nigeria during November 1929. The protests erupted when thousands of Igbo women from various regions, including the Bende District and Umuahia in southeastern Nigeria, journeyed to Oloko town to voice their grievances against the Warrant Chiefs. These chiefs were accused of curbing the participation of women in governance. The movement was predominantly organized and led by rural women from Owerri and Calabar provinces.
The roots of the riots can be traced back to January 1, 1914, when the system of indirect rule was introduced in Southern Nigeria under Lord Lugard's governance. This system empowered Warrant Chiefs to collaborate with colonial officers in governing the region.
Over time, some Warrant Chiefs abused their authority, becoming oppressive and seizing property, which exacerbated tensions. In 1929, the British colonial administration imposed a special tax on market women, prompting widespread protests across multiple cities. However, there is no concrete evidence to support claims that women were shot and killed during these demonstrations, contrary to what occurred in Ikot Abasi.
In Ikot Abasi, the protest was led by the paternal grandmother of former minister and senator Udoma Udo Udoma, who was tragically killed in the process. Udoma recalls stories of his grandmother's bravery and resilience, emphasizing her role as a successful trader and community leader. The protest in Ikot Abasi, fueled by the introduction of direct taxation, culminated in a violent clash with authorities, resulting in the loss of many lives, including that of Udoma's grandmother.
Despite the tragic outcome, the protest had a profound impact on subsequent developments in the region, prompting administrative reforms and leading to the appointment of some women as Warrant Chiefs. The true story of this historical incident, as recounted by those directly affected, sheds light on the courage and resilience of the women involved. Efforts to commemorate the events in Ikot Abasi and correct the misnomer of the "Aba Women Riot" continue, aiming to honor the bravery of the unarmed women who protested against unjust policies in 1929.