On February 13, 1958, hundreds of women from different communities in Epie, a kingdom in southern Nigeria, trooped out in a protest that had lasted many days. Some of them who were nursing mothers had their babies tied to their backs. Some were pregnant. They demanded free education and spoke against the proposed policy to tax women. But the British colonial authorities responded with force. Security agents opened fire on the protesters. Many of them were arrested. Villages were looted and burnt. People became displaced. Some lost their lives. But stories of this incident have barely been documented. They are passed from generation to generation by word of mouth. The victims of the savagery from the colonial forces have been reluctant to share their experiences.

However, 65 years later, HumAngle is able to piece together what happened based on interviews with multiple eyewitnesses, families of victims, and others who have studied the events.

This story was reported by Godson Etete and scripted by ‘Kunle Adebajo

Hosted by Hauwa Shaffii Nuhu and ‘Kunle Adebajo

Produced by ‘Kunle Adebajo

Fact-checking by Godson Etete

Mixed by Anthony Asemota

Executive Produced by Ahmad Salkida

Voice acting by Franklin Ayakiri, Mark Giabo, and Weridongha Rita

Transcription by Thomas Somutamadu Clever

Fixing, research, and reporting assistance from: Ayebaitari Tekena, Elder Jubilee Atigbamo, H.R.H. King Sunday T. Charles (Ugu VII), His Highness Sinteh Ebiye Golden, Hon. Barr. Sogbeye Clement Eli, Prof. C.M. Sorgwe, Samuel James Eugene, and Sokey Fubara

Festival music by Favour Band

Music licensed from Epidemic Sound