In October 2020, Nigeria witnessed a historic moment when its youth united in a nationwide #EndSARS protest, demanding an end to police brutality. The movement, led by prominent figures like Folarin Falana, known as Falz, and Adebowale Adedayo, popularly called Mr. Macaroni, aimed to address the extortion and killing of young Nigerians by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, or SARS.
The protests quickly spread across the nation, with people from all walks of life taking to the streets. They used social media, particularly Twitter, to amplify their message. The hashtags #EndSARS and #EndPoliceBrutality trended globally, drawing attention to their cause.
On October 12, 2020, the protesters gathered outside the Lagos State House of Assembly, where they voiced their concerns. The governor assured them that their demands for an end to police brutality and the disbandment of SARS would be taken seriously.
However, events took a tragic turn on October 20, 2020, when a curfew was imposed in Lagos State. Initially set for 4 pm, it was later adjusted to 6 pm due to the traffic causing delayed return. By 7 pm that night, disturbing videos surfaced on the internet, showing citizens at the Lekki Toll Gate being shot at because they had refused to obey the curfew.
This tragic incident resulted in a significant loss of life. The most heart-wrenching part is that, even after three years, the people of Nigeria still do not know who gave the order to open fire on peaceful protesters and why it happened. The lack of accountability remains a source of deep pain for many.
Every year, Nigerians hold a memorial protest to honor the memory of those who lost their lives during the #EndSARS movement. They are determined to ensure that justice is served for their fallen heroes and that the voices of the youth will not be forgotten.
The #EndSARS protests marked a significant moment in Nigerian history when the youth came together, despite their differences, to stand up against police brutality and demand justice. The memories of those lost in the pursuit of a better, more just Nigeria will continue to fuel the call for accountability and reform. The hope is that, one day, the truth will be revealed, and those responsible for the tragic events of October 20, 2020, will be held accountable.
