Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Today, October 20, 2024, marks the fourth anniversary of the infamous Lekki Tollgate shooting that claimed the lives of several #EndSARS protesters in 2020.
To commemorate the tragic event, protesters gathered at the Lekki Tollgate, formerly known as the #EndSARS bus stop, in Lagos State. However, the peaceful assembly quickly turned violent when Nigerian Police Force operatives opened fire and used tear gas to disperse the crowd, arresting at least two protesters.
The #EndSARS movement, which began in 2020, sought to dismantle the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) due to its notorious history of brutality. Despite the police authorities’ decision to disband SARS, protesters continued to occupy the streets, particularly the Lekki Tollgate, which had become a powerful symbol of the movement.
The events of October 20, 2020, remain contentious, with witnesses alleging that soldiers opened fire on unarmed protesters, resulting in deaths. However, the military authorities and federal government have consistently denied these claims. Amnesty International reported that at least 12 protesters were killed during the military intervention.
This morning’s protest aimed to honor the memories of those who lost their lives during the #EndSARS protests. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with protesters singing and waving placards before police disrupted the assembly. The identities of the arrested protesters have not been disclosed.
The police have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident or the use of force during the memorial procession.
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