Today, October 20, 2024, marks the fourth anniversary of the infamous End SARS killings that shook Nigeria to its core.
On October 20, 2020, the world watched in horror as Nigerian security forces violently suppressed peaceful protests against police brutality, resulting in the senseless loss of lives.
The End SARS movement, which began as a call to disband the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), exposed the deep-seated rot within Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies.
The protests, led by young Nigerians, demanded an end to systemic brutality, extortion, and human rights abuses. However, instead of listening, the government responded with brute force.
The Lekki Toll Gate massacre, where soldiers opened fire on unarmed protesters, will forever be etched in our collective memory.
Four years later, the scars of that fateful day still linger. Many families continue to mourn their loved ones, while others struggle to find justice for the victims.
The Nigerian government’s response to the crisis has been woefully inadequate, with few accountability measures in place.
As we remember the End SARS killings, we must reaffirm our commitment to justice, accountability, and human rights. The struggle for a better Nigeria, where every life is valued and protected, continues.
We must not forget the victims of Lekki Toll Gate and other End SARS-related killings, the families still seeking justice and closure and the brave protesters who dared to challenge the status quo.
We demand a comprehensive police reform, accountability for erring security personnel and protection for human rights defenders.
Today, we honour the memories of those lost and recommit to building a Nigeria where such atrocities never happen again.
