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BREAKING: Police Tear Gas #EndSARS Memorial Protesters, Arrest Two

Published

2 months ago

Oct 20, 2024.

Operatives of the Nigerian Police Force fired tear gas and arrested several protesters on Sunday during a memorial procession at the Lekki Tollgate, Lagos State.

The demonstrators had gathered to commemorate the lives lost during the October 2020 #EndSARS protests, which sought to end police brutality in Nigeria.

Eyewitnesses reported that the peaceful protest was disrupted when police officers began firing shots into the air and releasing tear gas to disperse the crowd.

As a result, many protesters fled the scene, and at least two individuals were taken into custody.

The identities of those arrested have not yet been confirmed.

The police have yet to issue an official statement on the incident or justify the use of force during the memorial event.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Lekki Tollgate holds deep significance as the location where, on October 20, 2020, security forces opened fire on unarmed protesters during the height of the #EndSARS movement.

The protests, which began as a call for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), quickly escalated into nationwide demonstrations against police misconduct, killings, and extortion.

Following the protests, judicial panels were established across several states to address the protesters’ demands and investigate the Lekki Tollgate shooting.

Police #EndSARS Memorial Protesters

However, nearly four years later, many of the panel’s recommendations remain unimplemented, leaving protest leaders and advocates frustrated with the lack of progress.

The #EndSARS movement continues to serve as a symbol of youth activism in Nigeria, and the memorial protests reflect ongoing discontent with the government’s response to the calls for justice and police reform.