A Nigerian court has ruled that the British government must pay $27 million each to the families of 21 coal miners killed by colonial forces in 1949, bringing total compensation to $567 million.

The miners, who went on strike over poor working conditions, racial discrimination, and unpaid wages, were shot by colonial police composed of both Europeans and Nigerians, according to historical accounts.

The Nigerian News Agency described the killings as “one of the most tragic acts of oppression under British colonial rule.” Historians say the incident strengthened Nigeria’s anti-colonial movement, contributing to the country’s independence from Britain in 1960.