Aba, large town in southeastern Nigeria, part of Imo State, on the Aba River. Aba is served by a railroad and a number of roads. It is an important trade center, particularly for palm oil and kernels; the processing of cola nuts is also significant. Manufactures include textiles, soap, pharmaceuticals, shoes, beer, and mineral water. Originally a market town, Aba grew after the establishment of a British military camp nearby in the early 1900s. In 1929 Aba was the site of the Women's War, also called the “Aba riots.” Angry at high taxes imposed by British officials and the low return on their palm kernel crops, the women of the area rose up in mass protests, burning buildings and driving off some of the authorities. Government troops were sent in, and approximately 50 women were killed in the conflict. Population 291,600 (1995 estimate).
