Yes, the British failed to invade Benin in 1897. The invasion was called the "Punitive Expedition" or the "Benin Expedition." It was an attempt by the British to avenge the killing of a group of nine British officials who had been sent to negotiate with the Oba (King) of Benin. The British were angered by the killings, and they sent a military force, led by Admiral Sir Harry Rawson, to attack Benin City, the capital of the Benin Kingdom. The invasion was successful, and the British looted many artifacts from the city, including the famous Benin Bronzes. However, the invasion was met with fierce resistance from some of the Benin warriors, and many British soldiers were killed or injured.
