END SARS ANNIVERSARY: Police Reportedly Fire Tear Gas as Nigerians Gather at Lekki Toll Gate
LAGOS, NIGERIA — Tension reportedly erupted at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, as police operatives fired tear gas to disperse activists and other Nigerians who gathered to commemorate the victims of the 2020 #EndSARS protests and renew calls for justice and comprehensive police reforms.
The gathering, held to honour those who lost their lives during the historic demonstrations, was reportedly disrupted when tear gas filled the area, forcing participants to flee.
Among those present were Funso Doherty, Lagos State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Despite the disruption, activists reiterated their commitment to pursuing justice for victims of police brutality, demanding accountability and advocating far-reaching reforms within the Nigeria Police Force.
Six Years After #EndSARS, Calls for Justice Continue
The #EndSARS movement gained nationwide momentum in October 2020, when thousands of young Nigerians took to the streets to protest police brutality, harassment and alleged human rights abuses associated with the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
The protests became one of Nigeria's most significant youth-led movements, drawing international attention to concerns about police accountability, citizens' rights and the need for institutional reforms.
The Lekki Toll Gate also became a major focal point of the movement following the events of October 20, 2020, when security operatives reportedly opened fire on protesters at the location. The incident remains a defining moment in Nigeria's recent history and continues to fuel demands for justice and accountability.
Six years later, the reported use of tear gas against anniversary participants has renewed concerns about the right to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and the treatment of citizens who gather to commemorate victims of alleged human rights violations.
Renewed Demands for Accountability and Police Reforms
For many Nigerians, the annual #EndSARS commemoration represents more than a remembrance of those who died. It is also an opportunity to assess the progress made in addressing police misconduct and ensuring that security agencies respect fundamental human rights.
The reported disruption at the Lekki Toll Gate is likely to intensify public debate over how authorities handle peaceful demonstrations and whether sufficient progress has been made in implementing the reforms demanded by protesters in 2020.
As activists continue to call for justice, accountability and institutional changes, questions remain about the extent to which the concerns that fuelled the #EndSARS movement have been addressed.
THE BIG QUESTION
Should Nigerians be allowed to gather peacefully to honour #EndSARS victims, or was the police response justified?
Six years after the historic protests, do you believe Nigeria has made meaningful progress in ending police brutality and protecting citizens' fundamental rights?
Share your thoughts in the comments section.
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