JUSTICE Anthony Onovo of the Enugu High Court on Thursday ordered the British government to pay £20 million each to the families of the 21 coal miners killed in Enugu State in 1949 by the Colonial masters. This led to the British superintendent to shoot and kill 21 coal miners and injured 51 others. Delivering the judgment, Onovo described the massacre as unlawful and extrajudicial violation of the right to life, holding British colonial administration liable, and ordered substantial compensation, formal apologies, and diplomatic action. ALSO READ: Senate rejects electronic transmission of election resultsHe held that the British government must be held accountable and must make reparations to the families of the 21 coal miners. “This defenceless coal miners were asking for improved work conditions; they were not embarking on any violent action against the authorities, yet were shot and killed.

Source: Nigerian Tribune February 05, 2026 23:13 UTC