Nigeria: Death in the Family
This is dedicated to everyone who lost their lives at the #LekkiMassacre on the 20th of October, 2020 and throughout the #EndSars protest. In our hearts you remain larger than life. May you never be forgotten, may you get justice, and may those of us left behind finish the race. Rest in Peace.
#EndSars
For 13days the youths of Nigeria took to social media and the streets in a peaceful protest, to express their displeasure against a notorious wing of the Nigeria Police Force called Special Anti-Robbery Squad(SARS). SARS has been responsible for various atrocities from profiling young people, to harassment, torture, extortion and killings. The demands for the protest were clearly articulated in a 5for5 checklist from justice, to compensation and police reform. The protesters were shot at, and teargassed, but remained fervent even when set upon by hired thugs.
There have been previous #EndSars protest since 2016, but this was different. Catalyzed by a graphic video from Ughelli, Delta State where policemen allegedly killed a victim and escaped with his vehicle. The protest began in Lagos and quickly spread to Abuja, and 25 other states in Nigeria, and across the world. The peaceful protest was decentralized, organized, crowdsourced and crowdfunded. Of those involved in the organization, none is more noteworthy than the Feminist Coalition who raised over $316,000, and provided legal aid, security and food to protesters.
20/10/2020
Exactly a week ago, at noon, the Lagos State governor suddenly announced a curfew that would commence at 4p.m., in a city historically plagued by unending traffic. With nowhere to go, the protesters remained at the Lekki Toll Gate Plaza, unbeknownst to the incoming danger and machinations of death that had been set in motion. Government officials reportedly cut the security cameras, and the characteristic bright floodlights. Pitch darkness. Some of the last videos shared showed protesters holding onto the Nigerian flag, sitting on the ground, singing the national anthem.
In a chilling video that has since gone viral, soldiers are seen to approach and fire at the protesters. It is still unclear how many died, as those on the scene say that the army took away some bodies and prevented ambulances from getting to the scene. Amnesty international estimates at least 12 people were killed.
On this fateful day Nigerians were killed by the Nigerian army on Nigerian soil. The last images and videos showed the protesters singing the national anthem and a blood soaked Nigerian flag; The last vestige of a nation that had turned on its own.
The Aftermath
Demonstrations largely ceased after the Oct. 20 shooting. The president has agreed to dismantle the anti-robbery unit but his speech did little to inspire confidence, that justice will be done.
Next Step — 2023
We the youths have risen up and there is simply no going back. We must fight on for a better Nigeria and actively participate in governance and the political process. It is time to retire the older generation that has brought our country to its knees.
The best way to predict our future is to create it — in the 2023 elections.
#EndSars #PoliceBrutality #EndBadGovernance
You can read other articles on Nigeria and Africa: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Climate Change Nigeria, and Africa.
