They used threats and violent punishment to maintain control ... at the time but came to symbolise the horrors of the Middle Passage and strengthened the abolition campaign.

His father was an Embrenche, an elder or chief, and oversaw disputes and punishments ... KIDNAP AND THE HORROR OF THE MIDDLE PASSAGE In 1756 Equiano and his sister were kidnapped by Aro peoples.

So horrific is their "middle passage" across the Atlantic that almost a quarter of them die during the crossing. Slavery's inhumane codes and punishments foment African resistance and escape ...