Aro-Ibibio Wars
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| The Aro-Ibibio wars | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Combatants | |||||||
| Igbo and Akpa | Ibibio | ||||||
| Commanders | |||||||
| Osim and Akuma Nnubi, Oke Nnachi, Nnachi, Ezejaka, etc. | Ibibio rulers | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| Unknown | Unknown | ||||||
| Casualties | |||||||
| Heavy | Heavy | ||||||
Contents |
[edit] The Arochukwu conquest
For hundreds of years, the Ibibio lived between the Imo and Cross rivers. During their staying, they founded several states and had a strong cultural presence. After many years, Igbo migrants came along starting in the 15nth century due to the increasing population and in the 17nth century because of the Jukun empire's fall. These people were came for land, some came for business, while others were slaves. Friction arose between the two ethnic groups which led to wars. Igbo clans around the area, really wanted the war in their hands. The first Igbo group who are today the aboriginal Aro are the Ezeagwu group. These are the people of Obinkita and Amannagwu. Uru who founded Nde Otu, Obinkita, is said to be the first Aro man, and patron ancestor of otusi Ezeagwu-na-okwaragwu. His grandson, Kakapko who founded Amannagwu invited Nnachi, the Edda priest. The Priest Nnachi from the Edda clan near Afikpo, was called for help. Through his son Oke Nnachi, an Eastern Cross river group answered the call. They were known as the Akpa. These warriors and traders, had European guns which was new to the Aro territory and a lot more advanced then the used iron and wood made weapons used by inhabits. Being the Igbo allies, the Akpas were led by the royal Nnubi family. Osim and Akuma Nnubi led Akpa mercenaries to help fight against the Ibibios. Together with Igbo leaders, they conquered enough land for the clans after the final war with Ibibios (1690-1720). During the final battles, the Ibibio war leader was slain in Oror city state making it the home of all EzeAros. In Obinkita (A city state named after Ibibios who were considered dogs to the other Aro people) the remaining Ibibio warriors became prisoners and were judged making it the holder of the Ikeji festival. The wars clearly ended from that final major battle but Ibibio presence was still in the Aro region though many refugees fled and the survivors were used as slaves. Akuma was crowned the first EzeAro (king). After his death, Nnachi's descendants took the throne starting with Oke Nnachi. The Arochukwu kingdom, was founded.
[edit] Aro Confederacy era in Ibibioland
During Arochukwu kingdom's rising, the slave trade became popular and the Aro Confederacy formed. Together, Aro and allied troops raided all over Igbo and Ibibioland. The Aro presence in Ibibioland, was dense and together with Efik allies, they occupied and controlled the Ibibio. They sold many Ibibios as slaves to the Europeans. Their greatest weapons was Ibini Ukpabi and their military power. This was a bad time for Ibibio people.
[edit] The fall of the Aro Confederacy
During the last quarter of the 19th century, great tension rised between Europeans and Aros. Mainly Britain was in this conflict since neighbouring German and Spanish colonies had little struggle with Aro presence or resistance. The British, had planned on dividing and capturing Aro kingdoms and settlements throughout the Southern Nigerian colony. Fighting occurred as many British supporting towns were attacked. By 1901, the tensions were tensed. The Aro invasion of Obegu, started the Anglo-Aro war. Benefits from the war, were the enemies of the Aro. Especially slaves and servants who were mainly Ibibios and Non-Aro Igbos. Also the Christians who became saved since they were either the poorest or were outcasts. And of course some rivals saw a chance for freedom of Aro terrorism like the Ibibio neighbours and rival Igbo clans. They were said to have known information on the Britain attack of Arochukwu before hand. From November 1901, the British fought battles in Arochukwu and surrounding Aro territories. By 1902, the war was over and the Aro confederacy collapsed. Many Aros died while slaves were now freed and Christians helped rebuild the war torn Arochukwu. Aro pagans, had to accept British conquest and Christianity in their land.
[edit] The Federal Republic of Nigeria
50 years after the fall of the Aros, Nigeria became independent in 1960. Tensions arose over political control leading to the Republic of Biafra and the Nigerian civil war in 1967. Nigerian troops, committed genocide against the Biafran nation which Arochukwu was apart of. Killing and scattering Biafran civilians, Arochukwu was ruined after the war. After decades it rebuilt but with a poor population of nearly 100,000 people as they became part of Abia State, Nigeria. Time to time, border issues become major with Ibibios of Akwa Ibom state. Currently, Ibom city state is autonomous. The Atani city state, has a major problem with Ibibio farm thieves and are trying to settle the matter peacefully. Till this day, Aro and Ibibio conflicts are still alive.
