| End SARS memorial protest | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Part of End SARS | |||
| Date | 20 October 2021 | ||
| Location | Nigeria | ||
| Caused by | 2020 Lekki shooting and lack of freedom of expression | ||
| Methods | Protest, demonstrations, online activism, civil disobedience, marches | ||
| Status | Ongoing | ||
| Parties | |||
| |||
| Casualties | |||
| Arrested | 2 | ||
| Official website | |||
The 2021 EndSARS memorial protest was a protest carried out by Nigerians and End SARS activist to mark the one year anniversary of the Lekki toll gate shooting which took place on 20 October, 2020. [1] [2] [3]
After the aftermath of End SARS protest, End SARS activists announced that there would be a memorial to mark the Lekki Shootings. [4] On 19 October 2021, Mr Macaroni and Falz announced that the protest will be carried out by cars in accordance to the message by the police force, which prohibited any form of protest. [5] [6]
On 19 October, it was reported that troops of security operatives were all positioned at the toll gate to ensure that no protest would be held on 20 October. [7]
On 20 October, protesters gathered mainly at the Lekki Toll Gate at as early as 6 AM inside their cars, trucks and buses. Some waved the Nigerian flag while shouting "End SARS" and "End Bad Government". It was also reported that some protesters who moved on feet were arrested. [8]
At about 2 PM, tear gas was shot at protesters which caused some of them to leave the scene leaving their cars and other items behind. [8]
Falz and Mr Macaroni joined the protesters, who continued their protest. An Uber driver was reported to be brutalized by the police and 2 journalists were allegedly arrested. [9] [10] [11]
Protesters gathered at the Unity Fountains, Maitama to hold a peaceful protest. Protesters moved on foot shouting "End SARS" until they were dispersed by police men. [8]
It was also reported that protesters against End SARS were seen carrying place cards with inscriptions that the Lekki toll gate shooting was a hoax. [8]
At about 4 PM, protesters returned to carry out the protest. [12] [13] [14]
In Porthacourt, protesters took to the streets at about 5 pm organizing a candle light procession. [8]
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Lagos State is a state in southwestern Nigeria. Of the 36 states, it is both the most populous and smallest in area. Bounded to the south by the Bight of Benin and to the west by the international border with Benin for ten km, Lagos State borders Ogun State to the north for about 283 km, making it the only Nigerian state to border only one other state. Named for the city of Lagos—the most populous city in Africa—the state was formed from the Western Region and the former Federal Capital Territory on 27 May 1967.
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On the night of 20 October 2020, at about 6:50 p.m., members of the Nigerian Army opened fire on unarmed End SARS protesters at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos State, Nigeria. Amnesty International stated that at least 12 protesters were killed during the shooting. A day after the incident, on 21 October, the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-olu, initially denied reports of any loss of lives, but later admitted in an interview with a CNN journalist that "only two persons were killed".
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The following is a list of events in 2021 in Nigeria.
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