Nigerian comedian and social commentator, Mr Macaroni, alongside other citizens, gathered at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos to mark the third anniversary of the tragic shootings that occurred during the #EndSARS protests on October 20, 2020. Despite a heavy police presence, they came together to remember the events of that fateful day.
In a poignant commemoration, Nigerian skitmaker Adebowale Adedeyo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, joined fellow citizens at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos to remember the harrowing events of October 20, 2020. This date marked the third anniversary of the Lekki Tollgate shootings that took place during the #EndSARS protests.
The memorial gathering was held under the watchful eye of a substantial police presence. Notable figures, including Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa, and other senior police officers, were present in the area. The Lagos State Police Command had previously issued a warning against any form of assembly at the Lekki Tollgate, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy.
The #EndSARS protests initially emerged as a peaceful outcry against police brutality, extrajudicial killings, extortion, and abuse of power, particularly by the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The federal government of Nigeria responded to these protests by officially dissolving SARS, a move welcomed by many.
However, the protests took a violent turn as opportunistic hoodlums seized the moment, resulting in the burning of police stations, public facilities, and attacks on both law enforcement officers and citizens. The protests reached a tragic climax on October 20, 2020, when Nigerian Army personnel opened fire on the demonstrators, leading to fatalities and injuries among the predominantly youthful protesters.
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The commemoration at Lekki Tollgate serves as a solemn reminder of those dark days and the demand for justice and accountability that continues to echo throughout Nigeria.
