Six years after the #EndSARS protests shook Nigeria, the demand for justice, accountability and meaningful police reform remains a painful issue for survivors, bereaved families and many Nigerians who participated in the demonstrations.
The protests, which gained nationwide momentum in October 2020, were driven by public anger over alleged police brutality, harassment, extortion and abuses associated with the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
On October 20, 2020, the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos became the focus of international attention after security personnel arrived at the protest ground and gunfire was reported. The incident left lasting questions about the treatment of demonstrators, the casualties recorded and the accountability of those involved.
For some survivors, the consequences of that night extended far beyond the protest ground, leaving them with physical injuries, emotional trauma and years of uncertainty.
One of those affected is Gabriel Eluojierio, who travelled to Nigeria from Turkey in October 2020. He said he and his close friend, Bright, joined protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate on October 20, hoping to participate in the peaceful demonstration.
Gabriel recounted that soldiers arrived at the scene at about 7 p.m. He said protesters at the frontline went down on their knees and began singing the national anthem, while he and Bright moved away from the immediate area.
He alleged that the lights at the toll gate went off shortly afterwards and that soldiers opened fire on the crowd.
As people ran for safety, Gabriel said Bright was hit and fell. Fearing for his own life, he continued running before being knocked down and trampled on by people fleeing the scene. He later regained consciousness at a hospital in Lagos Island the following morning.
After receiving treatment, Gabriel searched for Bright at the hospital but could not find him. He also said he was unable to reach his friend by telephone and subsequently reported the incident to the police.
The ordeal later took another devastating turn when Gabriel received news that his 95-year-old father had died after their family home in Irrua, Edo State, was attacked and set ablaze on October 26, 2020.
Gabriel alleged that the attack followed tensions surrounding Bright’s disappearance. He said arrests were made after the incident, but that subsequent investigations had not provided the answers his family needed.
According to his account, threats and attacks continued against his family and properties in Edo State, forcing them to relocate several times for their safety.
Six years later, Gabriel says the disappearance of his friend, the loss of his father and the absence of satisfactory answers have continued to affect his life. He also expressed anguish over not knowing what happened to Bright’s remains.
His account highlights the wider human consequences that can follow violent incidents, particularly when families are left without clear answers or a sense of closure.
Beyond individual experiences, the anniversary has renewed calls from rights advocates for the government to acknowledge victims’ suffering, ensure accountability and provide appropriate reparations to those affected by the 2020 protests.
The #EndSARS movement began as a demand for an end to police brutality and evolved into a broader call for institutional reform, respect for human rights and accountability within Nigeria’s security agencies.
Although SARS was disbanded following the protests, questions about police conduct, implementation of reforms and justice for victims have continued to shape public debate.
As Nigeria marks six years since the Lekki Toll Gate incident, the anniversary is more than a remembrance of a defining moment in the country’s recent history. It is also a reminder of the survivors and families still seeking answers, and of the importance of ensuring that allegations of abuses are thoroughly investigated and those found responsible are held accountable.
For many Nigerians, the central question remains whether the demands that brought thousands of young people onto the streets have translated into lasting change.
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