Outrage as Police Tear-Gas EndSARS Memorial in Lagos

Police officers have today, allegedly fired tear gas to disperse participants at a memorial for victims of the 2020 #EndSARS protests at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, triggering renewed concerns over police conduct, citizens’ rights and the unresolved demand for justice.

Among those affected were the Lagos State governorship candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Funso Doherty, who had joined residents, activists and journalists for a wreath-laying ceremony.

The memorial, organised by the Enough is Enough (EiE) Movement to mark the sixth anniversary of the protests, was disrupted before participants could lay the wreaths, as those gathered scrambled for safety when police officers deployed tear gas.

The incident has revived painful memories of the 2020 protests, which became a defining moment in Nigeria’s struggle against police brutality and demands for accountability.

The tear-gassing incident has drawn renewed criticism and expressions of grief, with social media users revisiting the pain of the 2020 shootings and questioning why demands for justice remain unresolved six years later.

Some Nigerians expressed sorrow over the deaths and injuries associated with the protests, while others criticised what they viewed as the continued use of force against people seeking to commemorate the victims.

One social media user, identified as Moses Kenechi, lamented that six years had passed since young Nigerians lost their lives during the movement.

Another user, Eddie, wrote that the events had left him deeply emotional, while Oman IPL said the memories still brought tears to his eyes. Other online commenters questioned why those responsible for the alleged abuses had yet to be held fully accountable.

Separately, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) called on the Federal and Lagos State governments to issue a public apology, prosecute those responsible for the 2020 abuses and provide comprehensive reparations to victims and their families.

The organisation also urged political parties and candidates to make justice for victims and meaningful police reform key commitments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

As Nigerians remember the victims, the renewed confrontation at the Lekki Toll Gate underscores the continuing tension between citizens seeking to preserve the memory of the protests and calls for accountability, and the security authorities’ handling of public gatherings.

Six years after #EndSARS, the demand for justice, responsible policing and protection of citizens’ fundamental rights remains central to the national conversation.

The anniversary also drew reactions from prominent political figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, who renewed calls for justice and accountability.

Atiku questioned who authorised the shooting at the Lekki Toll Gate, arguing that Nigerians were still waiting for clear answers six years after the incident. He also criticised the Federal Government over what he described as its failure to resolve the lingering questions surrounding the tragedy.

Obi, on his part, urged Nigerians not to forget the victims, insisting that no citizen should be punished for demanding good governance. He called for a country where young people could express their concerns without fear of brutality and where public officials exercised power responsibly.

CAPPA’s demand for an official apology, prosecution of those responsible and compensation for victims has added to the renewed calls for concrete action rather than anniversary statements alone.

The latest police action has further intensified the debate over whether Nigeria has made sufficient progress in addressing the grievances that gave rise to #EndSARS.

For many families still seeking answers about their loved ones, the anniversary remains more than a remembrance ceremony. It is a continuing demand for truth, justice and assurances that citizens will not face violence for exercising their fundamental rights.

Recall that the #EndSARS protests erupted in October 2020 following widespread allegations of harassment, extortion, torture and extrajudicial killings by the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Thousands of young Nigerians took to the streets across the country, demanding an end to police abuses and comprehensive reform of the security system.

The Lekki Toll Gate became the movement’s most prominent symbol after soldiers opened fire on protesters on the night of October 20, 2020. The incident resulted in reports of deaths and injuries and generated national and international outrage.

A Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry later found that protesters were shot at, injured and killed during the incident. However, the state government disputed key aspects of the panel’s findings, including elements relating to the casualty figures, leaving questions about accountability unresolved.

Despite the disbandment of SARS, activists and rights organisations have continued to demand justice for victims, compensation for affected families and reforms capable of preventing further abuses.

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), marking the sixth anniversary on Tuesday, accused the police of continuing to face allegations of torture, unlawful detention, extortion, extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

The latest incident at the toll gate has therefore placed the right to peaceful assembly and the handling of public demonstrations back in the spotlight.