Unlike previous years, the usually symbolic Lekki Toll Gate Plaza stood quiet yesterday as Nigerians marked the fifth anniversary of the October 20, 2020, #EndSARS shootings—an event that remains etched in national memory.
The plaza, which once drew hundreds of young Nigerians for candlelight vigils and memorial processions, was unusually deserted. Instead, many took to social media to honour the victims and lament the lack of justice five years on.
In Abuja, however, security operatives fired tear gas to disperse protesters calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), momentarily overshadowing the #EndSARS remembrance.
Across social platforms, Nigerians—especially youth activists—voiced their frustration that those responsible for the Lekki shootings have yet to face prosecution, while several protesters arrested in 2020 remain in detention.
The Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry had confirmed that soldiers from the 81st Division of the Nigerian Army opened fire on peaceful demonstrators at the Lekki Toll Gate, killing at least nine people. The incident shocked the world and turned the plaza into a symbol of resistance against state oppression.
“Five years may have passed, but we will never forget Lekki,” one post read, echoing thousands of similar tributes flooding X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
At the plaza, armed officers of the Lagos State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Jimoh Olohundare, maintained heavy presence to prevent any gatherings. No major protest was recorded.
Speaking to journalists, Olohundare emphasized the need for law and order, saying, “We believe people have begun to understand that peace is the only way forward. Where your rights stop is where others’ begin.”
He warned against violent demonstrations, adding, “It doesn’t pay to destroy things. People should follow laid-down legal processes to express grievances. We cannot allow investment in Lagos to be threatened by misguided individuals.”
The #EndSARS movement began as a peaceful protest against police brutality, demanding justice for victims, sweeping police reforms, compensation, psychological evaluation of officers, and improved welfare for security personnel.
But the tragic events of October 20, 2020, turned those demands into mourning.
When asked about progress on police reform, Olohundare highlighted recent improvements under Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun’s leadership, including better welfare, logistics, and human rights training.
“From our uniform to our operations, there’s been progress,” he said. “The Inspector General has prioritized retraining officers to respect human rights and the rule of law.”
He also disclosed that since assuming office in Lagos, he had expanded tactical operations with the creation of the Eko Strike Force Team and increased the number of tactical units from 23 to 33, alongside improved community engagement.
Though Lekki Toll Gate remained calm yesterday, the silence spoke volumes—about lives lost, promises unfulfilled, and a nation still struggling to heal from one of its darkest nights.
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