The fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protest in Lagos has been marked by tension, as officers of the Lagos State Police Command deployed teargas to disperse protesters gathering at the Lekki Toll Gate.
This location is significant as it was the site of tragic events during the 2020 protests, where many demonstrators were reportedly killed and injured following military intervention.
On Sunday morning, protesters, armed with banners and placards, called for the full implementation of recommendations made by various judicial panels set up to address the issues raised during the 2020 protests. Despite their peaceful intentions, the situation escalated when police fired teargas to disperse the crowd.
Witnesses reported chaos, with individuals fleeing and some sustaining injuries. Protesters recounted their experiences, with one mentioning falling into a gutter while trying to escape the teargas.
The police, however, stated that their actions were a preventive measure to avoid traffic disruptions, asserting that they had to use minimal force as the protesters refused to disperse.
The event reflects ongoing frustrations among activists regarding the lack of progress on the recommendations from the panels set up in the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests.
Click here to join our Telegram Channel