Nigerian court orders UK govt to pay £420m over 1949 colonial-era miner killings
The killings, which occurred on 18 November 1949 in Enugu, are widely regarded by historians as a turning point that strengthened anti-colonial sentiment and accelerated the push for independence, achieved in 1960.
A Nigerian court has directed the British government to pay compensation totalling £420 million to the families of 21 coal miners killed by colonial authorities in 1949 in the country's south-east, reports the BBC.
The Enugu High Court ruled on Thursday (5 February) that each affected family should receive $27 million (£20 million) over the killing of miners, who were shot dead while protesting for improved working conditions at the Iva Valley coal mine.
Colonial-era police, comprising both Nigerian and European officers, opened fire on the striking workers, killing 21 and injuring many others. Nigeria's state-run News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) described the incident as one of the most severe acts of repression under British colonial rule.
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The killings, which occurred on 18 November 1949 in Enugu – then the administrative capital of eastern Nigeria – are widely regarded by historians as a turning point that strengthened anti-colonial sentiment and accelerated the push for independence, achieved in 1960.
Justice Anthony Onovo, delivering the verdict, said the massacre amounted to an unlawful and extrajudicial violation of the miners' right to life and held the British government responsible for reparations to the victims' families.
"These defenceless coal miners were asking for improved work conditions, they were not embarking on any violent action against the authorities, but yet were shot and killed."
The miners had been protesting harsh labour conditions, wage discrimination based on race and unpaid salaries. After their grievances were ignored, they staged a "go-slow" protest and occupied the mine to prevent a management shutdown, according to NAN.
The lawsuit was filed by human rights activist Mazi Greg Onoh, naming both the British and Nigerian governments as respondents.
Prof Yemi Akinseye-George, lawyer for the applicants, said the ruling marks a major step towards historical justice, demonstrating that accountability for violations of the right to life does not expire with time or political change.
The UK government said it has not been formally notified of the ruling and declined to comment, adding that it was not represented during the court proceedings.
At the time of the incident, the police justified their action by claiming officers feared being overwhelmed, though an inquiry also faulted colonial authorities in charge of the force for escalating tensions.
