In a stark reminder of the unresolved tensions that continue to simmer beneath Nigeria’s social fabric, the fourth anniversary of the #ENDSARS protests was marred by chaos and violence as Lagos State Police forcefully dispersed peaceful demonstrators at the iconic Lekki Toll Gate. The scene, captured in viral videos circulating across social media platforms, paints a troubling picture of a nation still grappling with the aftermath of one of its most significant civil rights movements in recent history.
On Sunday morning, as the sun rose over Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital, a group of determined protesters converged at the Lekki Toll Gate. Armed with banners and placards, their message was clear and poignant: they demanded the full implementation of the reports submitted by various judicial panels of inquiry set up in the wake of the 2020 protests. The gathering, which began around 8:30 am, was a testament to the enduring spirit of the #ENDSARS movement and the unrelenting quest for justice and reform in Nigeria’s police force.
The choice of location was deeply symbolic. The Lekki Toll Gate stands as a somber monument to the events of October 20, 2020, when Nigerian military forces allegedly opened fire on peaceful protesters, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. This incident, which came to be known as the “Lekki Massacre,” became the tragic climax of the nationwide #ENDSARS protests and a turning point in Nigeria’s contemporary political history.
Four years on, the wounds of that fateful night remain raw for many Nigerians. The protesters who gathered on Sunday were not just commemorating an anniversary; they were giving voice to a collective frustration over the perceived lack of progress in addressing the systemic issues that sparked the 2020 protests. Their presence at the toll gate was a powerful reminder that the demands for police reform, accountability, and justice continue to resonate strongly within Nigerian society.
However, what began as a peaceful demonstration quickly devolved into scenes of chaos reminiscent of the very events the protesters were commemorating. Videos shared widely on social media platforms show protesters fleeing in panic as police officers fired tear gas canisters into the crowd. The acrid smoke and the sounds of confusion paint a vivid picture of the confrontation, raising serious questions about the state’s approach to handling peaceful demonstrations.
The use of tear gas against unarmed civilians exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations and civil society groups. Many see the police’s heavy-handed response as a troubling echo of the very issues that catalyzed the #ENDSARS movement in the first place – the excessive use of force by law enforcement and the suppression of citizens’ rights to peaceful protest.
The #ENDSARS movement, which began in 2017 but reached its zenith in October 2020, was primarily a youth-led campaign against police brutality, particularly targeting the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). SARS, a unit of the Nigerian police, had become notorious for its alleged human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and extortion. The 2020 protests saw thousands of young Nigerians take to the streets in major cities across the country, demanding an end to police brutality and calling for comprehensive reforms in the nation’s law enforcement apparatus.
In the aftermath of the 2020 protests and the tragic events at Lekki Toll Gate, judicial panels were established across various states to investigate allegations of police brutality and recommend appropriate redress. These panels were seen as a crucial step towards addressing the grievances of the protesters and initiating meaningful reforms in the Nigerian police force.
However, nearly four years after these panels submitted their reports, protest leaders and civil society organizations express deep disappointment over the lack of implementation of many key recommendations. This perceived inaction has fueled a growing sense of frustration and disillusionment among Nigerian youth, who feel that their voices have been ignored and their demands for justice left unaddressed.
The dispersal of Sunday’s anniversary protest at Lekki Toll Gate serves as a stark illustration of the ongoing tensions between the Nigerian state and its youthful population. It raises critical questions about the government’s commitment to democratic principles, particularly the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. Moreover, it underscores the urgent need for a renewed dialogue on police reform and accountability in Nigeria.
As news of the police action at Lekki Toll Gate spreads, it is likely to reignite debates about the status of reforms promised in the wake of the 2020 protests. Civil society organizations and human rights groups are expected to condemn the use of force against peaceful protesters and call for an investigation into the incident. The international community, which closely followed the 2020 #ENDSARS protests, may also weigh in on these developments, potentially putting additional pressure on the Nigerian government to address the underlying issues that continue to fuel civil unrest.
The events at Lekki Toll Gate on this anniversary serve as a powerful reminder that the spirit of the #ENDSARS movement remains alive in Nigeria. Despite the passage of time and the challenges faced, many young Nigerians continue to advocate for a more just and accountable society. Their persistence in the face of adversity speaks to the depth of the issues at hand and the urgent need for meaningful reform in Nigeria’s law enforcement and governance structures.
As Nigeria moves forward, the incidents of this anniversary will undoubtedly fuel further discussions about the path to genuine police reform and the protection of citizens’ rights. The use of force against peaceful protesters risks deepening the trust deficit between the government and its young population, potentially sowing the seeds for future unrest.
In the coming days and weeks, all eyes will be on the Nigerian government’s response to this incident and its broader approach to addressing the unresolved issues from the 2020 #ENDSARS protests. The path chosen will have significant implications for Nigeria’s democratic development and its ability to harness the energy and aspirations of its youthful population for positive change.
As the tear gas clears from Lekki Toll Gate, one thing remains certain: the echoes of #ENDSARS continue to resonate strongly in Nigeria, challenging the nation to confront its past and chart a course towards a more just and equitable future.
