Today, October 20, 2021, marks the one-year remembrance of Nigerian youths who died in the cause of seeking justice, good leadership, and a better country. A horrific day in which an undisclosed number of Nigerian youths were killed and many injured during a peaceful protest against police brutality tagged #EndSars.
Recall that In October 2020, spontaneous protests had erupted in different parts of the country against police brutality, especially by the personnel of the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad(SARS).
Although the protests and the #EndSARS movement soon garnered international support, it later turned bloody on October 20, 2020, when soldiers fired at the protesters in Lekki Toll gate, Lagos. Many ran for safety while some were hit by bullets.
Nigerian security forces used unnecessary and excessive force to disperse peaceful protesters across the country. The Nigerian Army denies firing any bullet to date.
In response to the outcry, the regime of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), disbanded the Special Anti-Robbery Squad police unit, the fourth time the Federal Government had disbanded it.
It’s hard to tell how much things changed after the attacks. But till now, no one has been brought to justice for the violence, and killings of peaceful protesters, while reports of human rights violations by the police continue.
The judicial panels of inquiry set up to investigate abuses by officers have made little progress.
The power of the people is stronger than the people in power and so the youths are having an EndSARS memorial protest which is currently taking place in Lagos, Abuja, Aba, Port Harcourt, Yenagoa, Enugu, Yola, Ibadan, Benin City, Jos, Ilorin, Asaba, and Osogbo, among others.
If you are partaking in the memorial protest in any part of the country, we implore you to please stay safe and avoid walking alone.
In years to come, no one will live with the personal narrative of October 20th, and time will turn a visceral memory into a history lesson. But for now, for many, the day remains a lively experience.
This is a perfect time for the youths to rise and get their voter’s card ready and also get involved in vying for political positions. Vote out old leaders and support and vote in young people with brilliant and innovative ideas.
May the souls of all the heroes that fell rest in peace.
The struggle still goes on.
Nigerian Youths Rise Now!
