Memorial to the Ekumeku Guerilla resistance movement of Western Igboland or Anioma. One of the longest sustained resistance movements against British occupation- 17 years from 1897-1914. The Ekumeku resistance movement was one of the few centralised resistance movements of the disparate Igbo States. Comprising warriors from an area stretching from Onitsha through Asaba, all the way to Agbor. The movement succeeded in sacking some of the Royal Niger Companys outposts in Western Igboland and was greatly feared by the British not just for for the sophistication/ferocity of their attacks (tactics including night-time raids and tactical alternation between guerilla and conventional warfare) but the resilience of the movement. The Ekumeku suffered serious reprisals from the British, with their leaders captured and several killed in 1902, for which the Ekumeku reprised in 1904. In 1909 at Ogwashi Uku, which the Ekumeku repelled successfully. In 1911, the Ekumekus leaders were once again rounded up, of which the Ekumeku unsuccessfully attempted reprisal. The name Ekumeku or Ekwumekwu (meaning be silent or do not speak about it) was sourced from the Cultist origins of the movement and the stealth with which the warriors operated. It is said that the Ekumeku movement inspired the Mau Mau of Kenya. The Ekwumekwu rivalled the Zulus in their resistance of British domination. Some of the greatest Ekwumekwu warriors included Dunkwu Isus and Ochei Nwayazia of Onicha Olona, Mokobia Odiajo and Nwaiyogolo of Ogwashi-Uku, Monye Ukpe and Diei Nwobodo
Posted on: Thu, 12 Jun 2014 18:36:29 +0000