The Lagos State Police Command announced that the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protest would not take place, stating that demonstrators did not seek the necessary police clearance before gathering at the Lekki Tollgate.
Police Commissioner Olanrewaju Ishola emphasized that protesters are required to notify authorities of their intentions, and since this was not done, the gathering was deemed illegal. He acknowledged citizens’ rights to protest but stressed that these rights must be exercised within the framework of the law. Police were deployed across strategic locations in Lagos to prevent any disruptions, with Ishola assuring the public of improved security measures.
In response to the police actions, Amnesty International condemned the arrests of protesters at the Lekki Tollgate. The organization criticized the police for using tear gas and making arrests during the memorial gathering, calling such actions unacceptable. The #EndSARS protests began in October 2020, primarily led by youth demanding the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) due to widespread police brutality.
Despite the government’s decision to disband SARS, protests continued for days, prompting Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to impose a curfew and deploy security operatives. This response culminated in tragic violence when soldiers opened fire on protesters, leading to fatalities—a fact that authorities later denied.
On the anniversary of the shooting, protesters gathered at the tollgate with placards to honor those who lost their lives. However, police intervened, firing tear gas and arresting several individuals. Amnesty International highlighted the severity of the police’s actions, denouncing the “violent attack” on peaceful protesters.
The organization’s statement emphasized the need for accountability and respect for the rights of citizens to gather and commemorate those who died during the #EndSARS protests against police brutality.
SOURCES
- https://www.channelstv.com/2024/10/20/endsars-memorial-protest-illegal-will-not-happen-police/amp/
- https://dailytrust.com/arrest-of-endsars-memorial-protesters-unacceptable-amnesty-intl/
