By ADEMOLA TIJANI
As Nigeria marks the anniversary of the #EndSARS protests today, 20th October 2024, the nation reflects on one of the most significant and unprecedented movements in its recent history. Sparked by years of frustration with police brutality, corruption, and a demand for accountability, the #EndSARS protests in October 2020 not only made waves in Nigeria but also garnered international attention, highlighting the power of youth-led movements in the face of government repression. Four years later, the legacy of #EndSARS remains a potent reminder of the enduring call for justice and reform in Nigeria.
The Beginning of a Movement
The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) was formed in 1992 to tackle violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, and car theft. However, over time, SARS became notorious for abuse of power, engaging in unlawful arrests, torture, extortion, and extrajudicial killings. For many Nigerians, especially the youth, SARS came to symbolize the broader issues of state violence, corruption, and impunity.
The #EndSARS protests erupted on October 3, 2020, after a video showing SARS officers killing a young man in Ughelli, Delta State, went viral. The footage fueled public outrage, and social media became the battleground where young Nigerians, empowered by the hashtag #EndSARS, organized a nationwide protest. The movement was decentralized, youth-led, and united by a common demand: the disbandment of SARS and an overhaul of the policing system in Nigeria.
The Protests Gain Momentum
For nearly weeks, protesters gathered in major cities across Nigeria, from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt to Benin City, with demonstrations also spreading internationally. The protests were marked by their non-violent approach, diverse participation, and creative expression through music, art, and poetry. Nigerians from all walks of life—students, professionals, celebrities, and civil society groups—joined in to lend their voice to the movement.
At its core, #EndSARS was not just about police brutality. It was about the deeper structural issues in Nigeria: endemic corruption, high youth unemployment, poor governance, and the sense of hopelessness many felt in a country that had seemingly failed them. The slogans “Soro Soke” (Yoruba for “Speak Up”) and “We are tired” captured the sentiment of a generation tired of empty promises and government inaction.
Government Response: A Broken Promise
On October 11, 2020, the Nigerian government announced that SARS would be disbanded, a move many believed was a victory for the protesters. However, skepticism remained high as the government had promised reforms to SARS several times in the past without significant action. Protesters demanded more than just the disbandment of SARS; they wanted tangible reforms, justice for victims of police brutality, and an end to bad governance.
The government’s promises quickly unraveled as reports emerged that SARS officers were being redeployed rather than held accountable for their crimes. Distrust grew, and the protests continued, with demonstrators broadening their demands to include better governance, improved healthcare, educational reforms, and job creation. The movement’s decentralized nature and the use of crowdfunding allowed it to sustain momentum, with organizations like the Feminist Coalition stepping up to coordinate donations, logistics, and legal aid for protesters.
The Dark Turn: Lekki Toll Gate Massacre
On October 20, 2020, what had been largely peaceful protests took a deadly turn. In what has come to be known as the Lekki Toll Gate Massacre, security forces opened fire on peaceful protesters who were singing the national anthem and waving the Nigerian flag. The incident, which was live-streamed on social media, shocked the world and was widely condemned by human rights organizations. The government, however, initially denied that the shooting took place or that anyone was killed, a stance that led to widespread outrage.
The events of that night became a turning point in the #EndSARS movement, as it not only highlighted the government’s brutal response to dissent but also its unwillingness to engage in meaningful dialogue with its citizens. Despite numerous eyewitness testimonies and reports from international organizations like Amnesty International confirming the use of lethal force, no one has been held accountable for the Lekki shootings to this day.
The Aftermath: The Fight for Justice Continues
Following the Lekki Toll Gate incident, the government imposed a curfew in several states, and the protests were eventually quelled. A judicial panel of inquiry was set up to investigate the atrocities committed by SARS and the events of October 20. While some victims of police brutality have received compensation through the panels, many believe that justice has not been fully served, and the recommendations of the panels have largely been ignored.
One of the most painful outcomes of the movement was the crackdown on activists and protesters. Several leaders of the #EndSARS movement had their bank accounts frozen, passports confiscated, and were harassed by security agencies. The Feminist Coalition, which had played a key role in supporting protesters, had its accounts frozen as well, underlining the Nigerian government’s attempts to silence the voices that rose during the protests.
A Nation Still Reflecting
As Nigeria marks the anniversary of the #EndSARS protests today, 2oth October 2024, the wounds from the movement have not fully healed. The anniversary serves as a moment to reflect on the gains and losses of the movement, as well as the unfulfilled promises of the Nigerian government. The fundamental issues that drove the protests—police brutality, corruption, poor governance, and lack of economic opportunities—remain unresolved.
However, #EndSARS also left an indelible mark on the political consciousness of Nigerian youths. The protests created a new generation of politically aware and engaged citizens who are determined to hold their leaders accountable. For the first time in years, young Nigerians found a common cause that united them across ethnic, religious, and social divides.
The Global Impact and the Role of Social Media
The global impact of #EndSARS cannot be overlooked. Celebrities like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Kanye West, as well as politicians and human rights organizations, lent their voices to the cause, amplifying the movement on an international stage. The power of social media in driving the protests was unprecedented, with platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook becoming vital tools for organizing, fundraising, and sharing real-time updates.
In many ways, #EndSARS exemplified the potential of social media in mobilizing grassroots movements, challenging the status quo, and holding governments accountable. It also showcased how technology can bridge the gap between local struggles and global solidarity.
Looking Ahead: What Next?
The #EndSARS protests may have ended, but the movement’s demands continue to reverberate. As Nigeria faces its future, the lessons from #EndSARS remain critical. The movement was a wake-up call for the Nigerian government to address systemic issues of governance, justice, and human rights. For the youths, it was a reminder of their power when united in purpose, and the anniversary is an opportunity to reignite conversations about justice, accountability, and reform.
As the nation remembers those who lost their lives, including the victims of the Lekki Toll Gate shooting, and those who suffered at the hands of SARS, it is clear that the struggle for a more just and equitable Nigeria is far from over. The spirit of #EndSARS, with its emphasis on speaking truth to power and demanding accountability, continues to inspire a generation that is unwilling to back down in its quest for a better future.
The #EndSARS protests were not just about ending police brutality; they were about reclaiming Nigeria’s soul, about building a country where the rights and dignity of every citizen are respected. As the nation marks the anniversary today, the question remains: Will the government listen, or will history repeat itself?
