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War · c. 1894–1897

The Esan–Nupe war (Egbalukpon Nell)

Esan memory calls it Egbalukpon Nell, “the war of the robed ones”.

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Overview

Esan memory calls it Egbalukpon Nell, “the war of the robed ones”. From their base at Agbede in Afenmai, Nupe armies raided into Esanland for slaves and tribute, striking Ewu, Idoa, Uzea and Ukhun. The Esan kingdoms, which usually fought each other, formed the Akota alliance: Ubiaja, Emu, Uromi, Ewohimi, Okhuesan and others. Lying in wait in the forests around Ewohimi and Ehor, they fought the Nupe for three years and drove them back to Agbede, which stayed Muslim.[1]Disputed

Who took part

What happened

  1. c. 1894–1897 · Ewohimi

    Ambush in the Ewohimi forests

    The Akota alliance fights from the forests around Ewohimi and Ehor.[1]Disputed

  2. c. 1897 · Agbede

    Back to Agbede

    The Nupe withdraw to their base at Agbede.[1],[2]Medium confidence

Kingdoms involved

Sources

Every claim carries a confidence level: high (well attested), medium (one source or approximate) or disputed (sources disagree).

  1. Osalumhense, Stacey. (2025). The Esan-Nupe War. Oriire
  2. Idrees, Aliyu A. (1989). Collaboration and the British Conquest of Bida in 1897: The Role and Achievement of the Indigenous Interest Groups. African Study Monographs 10(2): 69–82