As Nigerian youths mark the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests today, leaders of the movement are demanding the full implementation of reports submitted by judicial panels of inquiry established after the protests.
Back in October 2020, thousands of youths gathered across major cities to peacefully protest against the harassment, killings, and extortion by officers of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigerian police force.
The protests peaked at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, where reports indicate that several youths lost their lives and many others sustained injuries following the intervention of the Nigerian military.
Following the protests, judicial panels were set up across states to review the demands of the protesters.
However, nearly four years later, protest leaders express disappointment that many of the panels’ recommendations remain unimplemented.
Speaking to Sunday PUNCH, Adekunle Taofeek, Lagos Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killings of protesters. He also called for the release of all unjustly detained #EndSARS protesters.
Inibehe Effiong, another activist and lawyer, highlighted the lack of progress in police reforms, emphasizing that issues like corruption, extortion, harassment, and illegal detentions persist.
“It is unfortunate that the previous administration did not adequately address the demands of the protesters,” he lamented.
Effiong urged Nigerian youths to use this anniversary as a rallying point to continue their advocacy for a better Nigeria, stressing the importance of citizens’ rights to peaceful protest.
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju criticized the government for failing to implement necessary reforms even after four years since the #EndSARS protests.
Adeyanju emphasized, “Our government must uphold human rights, listen to the people, and implement relevant reforms that improve the welfare of citizens.”
He added, “While #EndSARS awakened Nigerian youths, significant reforms are yet to be achieved due to governmental irresponsibility.”
