Emperor Menelik II sent a message to Fatansa Illu where he was asked to submit to Menelik II's authority and that failure would lead to unnecessary deaths. Had Fatansa Illu peacefully submitted he would have been allowed autonomy under the condition that he pay the annual tax to pay for the defense of the empire. However, he refused and war was inevitable. Consequently, "Ras" Tessema Nadew led Emperor Menelek's force into Illubabor. When the lead elements of the Shewan forces reached the Gebba River, Fatansa's main forces began defensive attacks using spears and shields. However, when the major Shewan forces headed by "Ras" Tessema reached the Gaba river, the Illu defensive lines were broken and many villages were burnt down. After this incident the Shewan forces marched to the heart of Illubabor and camped at a place called Qarsa Gogila, near modern-day Metu.