#EndSARS 4th Anniversary Rally: Police Clash With Protesters

iexclusivenews – The #EndSARS 4th anniversary rally at Lagos’ Lekki Toll Gate ended in chaos on Sunday as police deployed tear gas and arrested dozens of peaceful protesters commemorating the landmark 2020 demonstrations against police brutality in Nigeria.

Marking the fourth year since the #EndSARS movement shook Nigeria’s foundations, protesters gathered at the historic Lekki Toll Gate around 8:30 a.m., carrying banners demanding accountability and reform implementation. Their peaceful #EndSARS 4th anniversary rally assembly was met with a heavy-handed response from law enforcement.

#EndSARS 4th anniversary rally Tensions Escalate

Hassan Soweto, speaking from inside a police van after his arrest, described the unwarranted use of force: “We were beaten without provocation while simply commemorating our fallen brothers and sisters.” The activist questioned when remembering the dead became a criminal offense in Nigeria.

The demonstration highlighted the government’s unfulfilled promises four years after the original #EndSARS protests. Participants emphasized the incomplete implementation of judicial panel recommendations formed in response to the 2020 protests that exposed widespread police misconduct.

Police Response Draws Criticism

Lagos Police Command spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin defended the dispersal, citing traffic disruptions.

However, video evidence showed protesters fleeing tear gas clouds and gunshots fired into the air, contradicting official claims of “minimal force.”

The original #EndSARS movement emerged as a powerful youth-led campaign against the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), known for extortion and brutality.

The 2020 Lekki Toll Gate incident, where security forces allegedly fired on peaceful protesters, remains a contentious issue with unresolved questions about casualties.

Continuing Push for Reform

Despite government promises and judicial panels established nationwide, activists express frustration over delayed implementation of recommended reforms.

The #EndSARS 4th anniversary rally’s disruption underscores ongoing tensions between law enforcement and citizens demanding accountability.