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File: Policemen at Lekki tollgateOperatives of the Lagos Police Command allegedly fired teargas and arrested some youths who gathered in Lekki on Sunday morning to mark the fourth anniversary of the October 20, 2020, #ENDSARS shooting at the Tollgate.
The protesters, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Never forget,” “Four years after, no justice,” “We demand full implementation of the panel’s recommendations,” and “Oppression continues, police brutality persists,” vowed to honour the memory of those killed by soldiers and police officers at the Tollgate while demanding a better Nigeria.
The protest, which began around 8 a.m., was disrupted by armed police officers who blocked the demonstrators from reaching the Tollgate.
Videos circulating on social media showed anti-riot police approaching the protesters and informing them that they were not permitted to protest at the location.
The protesters, however, reminded the officers that they were staging a peaceful march to remember their fallen comrades and asserted their right to peaceful protest.According to eyewitnesses, tensions escalated as the protesters insisted on completing their memorial march, leading to police firing teargas to disperse the crowd.One protester, identified as Iyanu, said he was injured while trying to escape.
“They have started firing tear gas at us. I fell into the gutter; I was hit on the head,” he said.
Another protester, Kachi Igwe, confirmed that he was hit but sustained only minor injuries.
“I am not really injured, just a few scratches on my body. Some people have also been arrested,” he added.
According to the protesters, the policemen took 22 persons in their Black Maria and moved them to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti.
They identified those arrested as Hassan Taiwo Soweto, (2) Ilesanmi Kehinde, Udiale Kingsley, Osopale Adeseye, Olamilekan Sanusi, Osugba Blessing, Kayode Anaheim, Michael Adedeji, Jennifer Rita Obiora (Female), Orunsolu Oluremi (Renyte Goonz), Prof Seyi Akinde, Akin Okunowon Aluta, Ugochukwu Prince, Aishat Omolara (Female), Thomas Abiodun Olamide (Female), Ogbu Obinna Ferdinald, Aghedo Kehinde Stephen, Duroorike Olawale, Isaac Obasi, Funmilayo Jolade Ajayi, Gideon Adeyeni and Afeez Suleiman.
Although the onsite protests were brought to a halt by the police’ action, Nigerians across social media platforms continued the memorial to honour the deceased.
Music artist, Folarin Falana alias Falz, who mourned the fallen heroes through his verified X account, wrote: “We will never forget the real heroes. Some of the bravest Nigerians that have ever lived.
“We will never forget their ultimate sacrifice. For on this day, four years ago, they redefined patriotism. May their souls rest in eternal peace.” Nation
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