This question was very popular to the candidates and most of those who attempted it performed well. It required the candidates to explore the general causes of war among the Nigerians before 1800. Since the question did not limit the candidates to a specific war, broader opportunities were given to them to cite any example, provided it fell within the period. While the brilliant candidates got it right, the poor ones mixed the modern causes of war with the ancient ones and thereby failed to get good marks.
For the candidates to score good marks, they were expected to outline the following points:

1. Wars were fought for expansion of territories;
2. to acquire war booty that enabled the states to meet their financial needs;
3. wars were caused by struggles over ownership of land e.g. for farming and other purposes;
4. wars were fought to propagate religion by some leaders e.g. Idris Alooma of Kanem- Bornu;
5. the desire to acquire slaves for domestic purposes, rituals and also as articles of trade.