# Anglo-Aro War ends Aro dominance in the east (November 1901 - March 1902)

URL: https://allhistories.com/nigeria/timeline/1901-anglo-aro-war-ends-aro-dominance-in-the-east
Location: Arochukwu (present Abia State)
Themes: battle

From 28 November 1901 British columns advanced on Arochukwu, the centre of the Aro confederacy, and captured it on 28 December after four days of fighting. The expedition also targeted the Ibini Ukpabi oracle, known to the British as the Long Juju, which was allegedly blown up. The last major engagement took place at Bende in spring 1902. Aro political and commercial influence, which had linked Igbo, Ibibio and Cross River markets and the slave trade, collapsed quickly. Leaders such as Okoro Toti were tried and hanged. Guerrilla resistance continued in places like Afikpo and Ezza until 1905. The war opened the Igbo hinterland to British administration. At the date of this event the principal authority over the largest part of present-day Nigeria lay with Abd al-Rahman bin Atiku, Sultan of Sokoto (1891–1902). It destroyed the most important trading and religious network of the south-east and began direct British control of Igboland. The destruction of the oracle and the end of the slave trade changed Igbo society, and the later spread of Christian missions and schools in the east followed this opening.

## Why it matters
The British campaign broke the Aro confederacy and opened Igboland to colonial rule.

Ruler at the Time: [Abd al-Rahman bin Atiku](https://allhistories.com/nigeria/rulers/abd-al-rahman-bin-atiku)

## Sources
- [Anglo-Aro War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-Aro_War)
- [History of Nigeria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Nigeria)
- [Southern Nigeria Protectorate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Nigeria_Protectorate)