#EndSARSMemorial: Stampede as police fire teargas at peaceful protesters in Lekki, many arrested, U.S reacts

[By VICTOR NZE]

There was a heavy stampede as hundreds of Nigerian youth who thronged the Lekki Toll Gate, Wednesday, to commemorate last year’s shooting by the military of unarmed, peaceful protesters demanding good governance and police reforms, scampered for safety following security operatives decision to fire several canisters of tear gas at them.

While the police in Lagos kicked against the gathering, the United States Government, Wednesday, threw its full weight behind the conveners of the commemorative event across the country.

The gathering held despite threats by the Lagos State Police Command not to allow the commemorative event, citing intelligence reports of ‘plans by some faceless groups or individuals to stage an anti-EndSARS anniversary protest in the state the same day.’

However, by Wednesday, Nigerian youths defied the order as they thronged the Lekki toll gate area of the state to be met by a contingent of police personnel in over 30 operational vehicles already stationed at the location.

Protesters took to their heels when police operatives unleashed several canisters of tear gas at the unarmed and peaceful demonstrators.

The #EndSARSMemorial protest in Lekki had activists like musician, Folarin ‘Falz’ Falana, and skit movie producer, Debo ‘Mr Macaroni’ Adebayo, and many others, at the forefront.

A statement signed by the Lagos Police Command’s Spokesperson, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, said that a post was being circulated on social media stating that the protest was earlier approved by the police. Lagos Police Command had, earlier Tuesday, said it would only allow an indoor or virtual event for the commemoration of the #EndSARS anniversary.

“Attention of the Lagos State Police Command has been drawn to a post being circulated on the social media; insinuating that the police in Lagos have agreed to allow street protests in commemoration of the one-year #EndSARS anniversary on October 20.

“On the contrary, the police will only allow an indoor and virtual event in commemoration of the #EndSARS anniversary…We will provide adequate security at the venue(s) if known.

“This is in recognition of the rights of every Nigerian to express his or her interest.

“We wish we could permit such street protests. However, intelligence at our disposal has revealed plans by some faceless groups or individuals to stage an anti-EndSARS anniversary protest in the state the same day.

“In view of the conflicting interests between the pro and anti- EndSARS anniversary groups and threat to cause mayhem; the Command once again warns both groups against any form of street protest between now and October 21 and beyond,” it said.

Significantly, the statement warned that the police would deploy all legitimate means to stop or neutralize the planned protests. Consequently, there are fears that a clash may be imminent; in view of the decision of the protesters to go ahead with a physical memorial.

Meanwhile, the statement by the Police did not hide the fact that it was wary of last year’s events, as the #EndSARS protests threatened to spiral out of control and several police formations were attacked and operatives killed across Nigeria.

It acknowledged that citizens had the right to peaceful protests but added that security assessment had revealed that it would be inappropriate to allow such protests to hold. It said that the command would not stand aloof and allow a breakdown of law and order which the protests may cause.

“To avoid a recurrence of the gory protests of last year during which some innocent Nigerians; including police officers were gruesomely murdered, private and public property plundered and maliciously destroyed.

“The police will not abdicate their responsibility of protection of lives and property by allowing such avoidable incident to happen again in the state. Parents and guardians are admonished to warn their children and wards against participating in the protests.

“Similarly, youths and other individuals or groups planning to take part in the protests are further warned in their own interest to shelve the plan,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, reactions have continued to trail the one anniversary of the EndSARS protest, as the United States Mission in Nigeria in an official statement, Wednesday afternoon, recognized the day as one to ‘reflect on the loss of life and property during last year’s #EndSARS protests.’

“Today is a day to reflect on the loss of life and property during last year’s #EndSARS protests.  

“We appreciate the work done by the various judicial panels and look forward to the implementation of recommendations and compensation to victims of police brutality. 

“We support ongoing police reform efforts.  We encourage those who demonstrated for change to engage politically to achieve it,” it said.

Also, former Governor of Ekiti and leading governorship aspirant on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), platform, Chief Segun Oni said the #EndSARS movement would remain a watershed in the annals of the nation and a major challenge to the status quo that it would never be business as usual.

He said except the basic demands of the youths highlighted in the 5-for-5 document were substantially implemented, Nigeria might never regain the trust of the youths.

Oni sympathised with the youths and families who lost loved ones and property during the #EndSARS movement

“It is my call that as a nation, we must urgently act to repair the broken trust between the leadership and the youths and give them a new sense of belonging.“We strongly need the youths at this point to recommit their love, energy and industry to rescue the nation; we can never achieve greatness without harnessing the potential of our youths.“On the solemn occasion marking the Lekki tragedy of October 20, 2020, I sympathise with the youths and families who lost loved ones and property; I pray for healing while hoping we have learnt some valuable lessons as a nation,” said Oni.

The first #EndSARS on October 20, 2020, was called by Nigerian youth to protest police brutality and highhandedness towards civilians and by extension a call for good governance.

The protest which held at the Lekki Toll gate in Lagos, also took place at various locations in states across the country.

A yet-to be-certified number of dead protesters in addition to dozens others who suffered gunshot wounds still dominate discourse in the country, as authorities struggle to hush the incident.

Various reports and final submissions of state panels of inquiry set up to investigate conduct of police operatives, especially the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the police have yet to be implemented. However the immediate fallout of last year’s protest was the immediate disbandment of the SARS Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, ordered by the immediate past Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu.