As Nigerian youths commemorate the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protest, activists who led the mass action have called for the full implementation of the reports submitted by various judicial panels of inquiry set up after the protests. In October 2020, thousands of youths gathered across the country to protest against the constant harassment, killings, and extortion by officers of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
The protests culminated at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, where several youths were reportedly killed, and many others severely injured following the intervention of the Nigerian military. Despite the establishment of judicial panels to assess and review the protesters’ demands, many of the panels’ recommendations remain unimplemented almost four years later.
Protest leaders, including the Lagos Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Adekunle Taofeek, and human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, have expressed deep regret over the lack of progress. Taofeek demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killings of protesters and the release of all #EndSARS protesters who were unjustly imprisoned. Effiong highlighted the need for accountability and the implementation of the findings from the judicial commissions of inquiry.
On the anniversary, Nigerian Police Force operatives violently dispersed protesters gathered at the #EndSARS bus stop, formerly known as the Lekki Tollgate, using tear gas and opening fire into the air. The peaceful march was disrupted, and at least two persons were arrested. The police have not issued an official statement regarding the incident or the use of force during the memorial procession.
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju also commented on the anniversary, stating that the government had failed to implement necessary reforms four years after the #EndSARS protest. He emphasized the need for the government to respect human rights, listen to the people’s yearnings, and carry out relevant reforms to improve the welfare of citizens.
