One of the main causes of the Aba Women’s War was the British’s indirect rule policy. The first Nigerian governor, Lord Lugard, initiated a system of indirect rule which allowed the British to rule locally through warrant chiefs appointed by Lord Lugard. However, as years passed these warrant chiefs would begin to abuse their power. They imposed harsh regulations, seized property and even arrested individuals who openly criticized them. This abuse of power would increase when British colonial administrators announced their plan to impose special taxes on Igbo market women. The Igbo women of this time were responsible for supplying a majority of food to many Nigerian cities. These women worried that it would lead to them being put out of business
