Emily Stehr

Interesting History of Lagos [nigeria] Emily Stehr

Interesting History of Lagos [Nigeria] Definition of Lagos "1. The former capital and chief port of Nigeria, on the Bight of Benin: first settled in the sixteenth century; a slave market until the nineteenth century; ceded to Britain (1861); university (1962). Population: 11,135,000 (2005 estimate) "2. A state in southwest Nigeria. Capital: Ikeja. Population: 9,013,534 (2006). Area: 3,345 sq km (1,292 sq miles)." http: //www.dictionary.com/browse/lagos Walter Graham Blackie; The Imperial Gazetteer: A General Dictionary of Geography, Physical, Political, Statistical and Descriptive; Vol 2; Blackie and son; 1855 Walter Graham Blackie writes: "LAGOS. ... 3, A slave-trading station, on a river and lagoon of same name, on the Slave Coast, Bight of Benin; latitude 6 degrees 20 minutes north; longitude 3 degrees 30 minutes east. It is the capital of a territory of same name, tributary to Dahomey, and was one of the most notorious slave stations on the west coast of Africa. The British consul having been fired upon, when attempting to negotiate a treaty for the abolishing of the slave trade with the reigning chief (Nov 1851), though at the time under a flag of truce, Lagos was attacked by a party of 160 or 180 from the Bloodhound steamer. This force, however, had to retire, with the loss of two officers and 10 men. But, on Dec 24 and 26 following, a well-organized and successful attack was made upon the place, which is strongly fortified by stockades, and was defended on this occasion by 5000 men. Lagos was taken, after a desperate engagement, 57 guns destroyed, and a treaty signed prohibiting the slave-trade, putting down human sacrifices, and securing, not only the freedom of commerce, but the liberty to diffuse Christianity. ..."