A Nigerian court has delivered a landmark ruling, ordering the United Kingdom government to issue a formal apology and pay £420 million in compensation for the Iva Valley Massacre in Enugu, which occurred 76 years ago.

The massacre, which took place on November 18, 1949, saw British colonial police open fire on striking coal miners at the Iva Valley mine in Enugu. The miners were protesting poor working conditions and low wages. At least 21 miners were killed and many others injured, sparking outrage across Nigeria and fueling anti‑colonial sentiment that eventually led to independence.

In its ruling, the court stated that the UK must take responsibility for the atrocities committed under colonial rule and compensate victims’ families and the Enugu community. The judgment is being hailed as a historic step toward justice for colonial‑era abuses.

Community leaders in Enugu welcomed the ruling, describing it as long‑overdue recognition of the suffering endured by the miners and their families. Activists also noted that the decision could set a precedent for other African nations seeking reparations for colonial injustices.