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The ennobled #ENDSARs protests came to a grinding and violent halt on the night of October 20th when soldiers opened fire on the crowd of peaceful protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate. Or at least this is the version of the incident that the people tell while the defence apparatus in the country has countered this narrative with several, changing versions of their view of the incident.
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INFOGRAPHICS: Judicial Panel of Inquiry into Acts of Police Brutality
What started as a clamour for an end to police brutality (#EndSars) and an overhaul of the entire policing system in Nigeria has taken an additional dimension. Protesters have added to their demands, an end to bad governance (#EndBadGovernanceinNigeria). With the protests not likely to end soon, what can we glean from the youths’ commitment and government’s reactions as we forge ahead?
For many, the #EndSARS demonstrations are a chance to vent out frustrations long overdue; but a closer look reveals a solidarity reminiscent of our founding fathers. A unity beyond ethnicity, race or sect. Now whether it achieves its desired outcome or becomes yet another hashtag… most uncertain.
Trailing the #ENDSARS movement showcases a bar for spontaneity; starting out as a series of benign agitations, then turning into full scale demonstrations. It, however, has not been without its casualties, which according to findings keep escalating.
Some 24 hours have passed since Lekki Massacre, now federal authorities are engaged in a game of tag, who did it. But there’s one voice the nation awaits for clarification.
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The 200,000 strong Twitter presence for the #EndSARS movement spells success for Nigeria’s youths. Likewise, celebrity recognition proves the movement is gaining traction. The government’s varied actions, however, and climbing fatalities tell another story.
