#EndSARS: Two Years After, 10 Nigerians Tell Neusroom What They Remember About the Protest
The EndSARS protest of October 2020 was a defining moment for many Nigerian youths. Although the agitation against police brutality, harassment, and extrajudicial killing by the now-disbanded police unit, Special Anti-Robbery Squad began online in 2016, young Nigerians took it to the street on October 8, 2020, and in just 12 days, the protest turned into a movement that sent shock waves across the country.
Hopes were high, that for the first time in the history of Nigeria, youths were united for a common cause. Religion didn’t matter, tribe and tongue were not considered when youths in many states across the country, including FTC Abuja, marched on the streets, demanding an end not just to police brutality, but injustice and bad governance.
Although the Nigerian government announced the disbandment of SARS, many young Nigerians were not convinced enough that the notorious police unit will not spring up again like it did after previous ‘disbandment’ was announced by the government.
What the young protesters got in return was a massacre on October 20, 2020, when armed men stormed the Lekki Toll Gate, the epicentre of the protest and opened fire on peaceful protesters, who were seated, singing the national anthem.
It’s been two years since the brutal attack, Neusroom asked 10 Nigerians what they remember about the EndSARS protest.
Here’s what they said.
Patrick
For the first time, Nigerian youths came out in mass to say no to impunity, no to oppression, no to suppression, and no to the bizarre government, we’re having in this country. It is ridiculous that those who are paid to protect you are using the instrument of the state to kill those they are supposed to protect.
Taiwo
What I remember about the EndSARS protest was that there were a lot of tragedies and even loss of lives. As youths, we tried to fight for our rights but the government didn’t cooperate with us. They don’t mind others people’s opinions about how they run the country.
Alpha
I remember how the youth came out to air their views and talk about situations in the country that they are not happy about. It was a massive movement that shook the country. I also remember the unfortunate end.
Michael
On October 20, 2022, three soldiers came to the Lekki Toll gate, and release a gunshot. That night, DJ Cookie was on the mix when a bullet hit one of the MCs. That’s what I remembered.
Enoch
The EndSARS protest was a peaceful protest. The country is not too easy and everybody is fighting for their life. I don’t think the youth deserve what the government did.
Tobi
The EndSARS was one of its kind. Though the politicians tried to play the dirty game, it was a protest that was meant to be peaceful. For me it was successful.
Princess
EndSARS was planned to demoralise Lagos State. Many of our youth don’t understand what happened. When they say they killed so many people, there was no physical review of what happened. EndSARS was planned against the demoralization of the vision of Bola Tinubu in Lagos State.
Paul
The EndSARS was nice. It gave me the feeling that the Nigerian youths know what they want and are united. I see that unity in us because people just came out from nowhere and became united like one family.
Daniel
The EndSARS protest was a humiliation by our leaders. We the youth are not happy with the way things are going in the country and when we come out to protest, they humiliate us, and what we fought for they didn’t give us.
Ajara
I can remember vividly that it was deadly. The youths tried to stand up for their rights. The government look into it because I think that EFCC still making things worse.
