DAILY POST
In October 2020, Nigeria witnessed one of the largest youth-led protests in its history, known as the #EndSARS movement.
Sparked by years of frustration and anger over police brutality, particularly perpetrated by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), young Nigerians took to the streets demanding an end to police harassment, extrajudicial killings, and the complete disbandment of the notorious unit.
What began as peaceful protests quickly gained momentum and spread to different cities across Nigeria and even garnered international attention and support.
The protesters, consisting mainly of young Nigerians, chanted slogans such as “EndSARS,” “SARSMustEnd,” and “Enough is Enough,” as they marched on the streets with banners and placards, demanding immediate action from the government.
However, the events of October 20, 2020, marked a turning point in the #EndSARS movement.
On that fateful day, a group of peaceful protesters had gathered at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos, which had become a symbolic centre for the demonstrations.
As night fell, security forces reportedly opened fire on the protesters, leading to several fatalities and injuries. The incident, now widely referred to as the “Lekki Massacre,” sent shockwaves through Nigeria and the world, drawing international condemnation.
In the aftermath of the tragic events, the Nigerian government announced the disbandment of SARS, a move that was met with scepticism by protesters who demanded broader police reforms and accountability for the alleged abuses committed by SARS officers.
