Several youth who gathered at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos State to mark the EndSARS anniversary have been arrested by the police.
The group assembled in remembrance of the October 20, 2020, incident where soldiers allegedly opened fire on peaceful demonstrators. These protests, originally aimed at ending police brutality and calling for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), had gained national attention.
Following widespread demonstrations, SARS was disbanded, but protesters continued occupying key locations, particularly the Lekki tollgate, which had become a symbol of the movement.
Names of those arrested are:
(1) Hassan Taiwo Soweto
(2) Ilesanmi kehinde
(3) Uadiale Kingsley
(4) Osopale Adeseye T.
(5) Olamilekan Sanusi
(6) Osugba Blessing
(7) kayode Anaheim
(8) Michael Adedeji
(9) Jennifer Rita Obiora (Female)
(10) Orunsolu Oluremi (Renyte Goonz)
(11) Prof Seyi Akinde
(12) Akin Okunowon Aluta
(13) Ugochukwu Prince
(14) Aishat Omolara (Female)
(15) Thomas Abiodun Olamide (Female)
(16) Ogbu Obinna Ferdinald
(17) Aghedo Kehinde Stephen
(18) Duroorike Olawale
(19) Isaac Obasi
(20) Funmilayo Jolade Ajayi
(21) Gideon Adeyeni
(22) Afeez Suleiman
In response, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu declared a curfew, but the standoff persisted. The deployment of soldiers ultimately led to the shooting, with eyewitnesses claiming fatalities, although military and government officials denied the reports.
Amnesty International later stated that at least 12 protesters were killed by the military.
On Sunday, marking four years since the tragic event, protesters returned to the tollgate, singing and holding placards. However, the police dispersed the crowd using teargas and gunfire, leading to the arrest of some participants.