The 1950s saw the British Empire crumbling; but for Africans these years held great expectations of pending independence. In Nigeria, it was accepted that it should come quickly. But there was a problem. Nigeria s minorities, peoples comprising about 40 percent of the country's population were afraid for their future under African leaders free of British imperial control. They demanded protection. This study reveals the story of how and why the British authorities betrayed the Nigerian people in relation to their treatment of this critical minorities issue, an issue of their own (British) making with the horrific consequences which followed. It revals information about the British authorities; as well as leading Nigerian figures including Chief Awolowo, Dr. Azikiwe, the Sardauna of Sokoto Sir Ahmadu Bello, Prime Minister Balewa and others. M.