Lagos State Police Command clashed with protesters on Sunday morning as they marked the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protest, a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s fight against police brutality. Officers deployed teargas to disperse crowds gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate, a site synonymous with the tragic events of October 2020.
Videos circulating on social media captured the chaos, showing protesters fleeing as police fired shots into the air. The atmosphere was tense as many in the crowd sought to honor the memory of those who lost their lives during the 2020 demonstrations against the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
Protesters began assembling around 8:30 am, brandishing banners and placards that called for the full implementation of reports from various judicial panels established after the 2020 protests. Their demands echo the calls for accountability and justice that originally sparked widespread unrest throughout the country.
In October 2020, the #EndSARS movement mobilized thousands of young Nigerians who took to the streets to protest against police brutality, harassment, and extortion. The demonstrations escalated at the Lekki Toll Gate, culminating in a tragic incident where many were killed and injured due to military intervention.
Following the protests, numerous judicial panels were instituted across the country to investigate police misconduct and to review the demands of the demonstrators. However, nearly four years later, the implementation of the panels’ recommendations remains largely unaddressed.
One of the protest leaders expressed frustration over the lack of action, stating, “We gathered here today to remember those we lost and to demand justice. It’s disheartening that many of the recommendations have not been implemented.” This sentiment reflects a broader dissatisfaction among activists who feel their voices have not led to meaningful change.
