Bakare Unveils Moria’s Scar, A Novel Inspired by Agbekoya Uprising ‎

Nigerian-born writer Bimbo Bakare has described his latest work, Moria’s Scar: Agbekoya Uprising, as a work of fiction inspired by real-life experiences rather than a conventional history book.
‎
Bakare said this on Friday , Jan. 23, 2026 in Lagos during the official launch of the book at the Chevron Recreation Centre, Gbagada.
‎
Moria’s Scar: Agbekoya Uprising is a 216-page novel that took the author about three years to complete. The book blends historical events in Nigeria with personal storytelling, drawing inspiration from the Agbekoya peasant revolt of the late 1960s in the old Western Region.
‎
The novel follows the life-changing experiences of  Moriamo (Moria), a young girl living in Ibadan during the period of the uprising. Her simple routine of assisting her family’s food business and preparing for school is abruptly disrupted when the farmers’ revolt erupts, plunging her community into chaos.
‎
‎As violence spreads, Moria is forced to flee for her life, sustaining a severe injury that leaves lasting physical and emotional scars. Through her eyes, the novel portrays the fear, uncertainty and resilience of ordinary people caught in the middle of civil unrest triggered by oppressive taxation and systemic injustice.
‎
‎The narrative weaves personal struggle with collective resistance, highlighting how large-scale social and political upheavals deeply affect individual lives, particularly women and children.
‎
Reviewing the book, Mrs Ezinne Toyin-Asanmo said Moria’s Scar goes beyond being an ordinary novel, noting that it powerfully depicts the struggles women face across societies, especially during periods of conflict.
‎
‎According to her, the author successfully uses Moria’s story to explore themes of trauma, survival and resilience, while giving voice to women whose experiences are often overlooked in historical narratives.
‎
‎Bakare reiterated that while the book draws from real events, it is not intended as a historical account but as a creative interpretation rooted in true-life experiences.
‎
‎He said the novel aims to preserve memory, provoke reflection and contribute to conversations around history, gender and social justice in Nigeria.
‎
‎