On Sunday, October 20, 2024, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) arrested several demonstrators during the EndSARS memorial at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos. The protesters were taken away in a police vehicle known as a black maria.
A viral video on social media shows some of the arrested demonstrators explaining that their peaceful march was disrupted when the police started firing tear gas and shooting to scatter the crowd.
As of now, the police have not released an official statement regarding the incident. This gathering was held to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the EndSARS protests.
In 2020, Nigerian youths protested across the country using the hashtag #EndSARS to call for an end to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a police unit known for its abusive behavior toward citizens.
On October 20, 2020, the military used live ammunition against peaceful protesters at the Lekki Tollgate, resulting in the tragic loss of many young lives. Since then, the Tollgate has become a powerful symbol for the fight against police brutality in Nigeria.
