On October 20, 2020, peaceful protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate were brutally attacked by state forces, leaving many of our young people dead, injured, and traumatized. As we approach the fourth anniversary of that fateful day, the Take it Back Movement is organizing a march to memorialize the lives lost, demand justice, and continue the fight for a better Nigeria.
In the spirit of this solemn memorial, we are calling for the Lekki Toll Gate to be renamed “ENDSARS Bus Stop,” not “EndSARS Toll Gate,” as the panel recommended. There shall be no toll where blood has been shed. It will also serve as a “Museum of Police Resistance”. This renaming will serve as a permanent reminder of the sacrifices made by our youths and the need to continue the struggle against oppression and bad governance.
We demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those responsible for the atrocities committed on October 20, 2020, including those who gave the order to open fire on peaceful protesters. This includes top officials such as former President Muhammadu Buhari and those who served under his administration, who must be held accountable for their actions. Specifically, those who carried out the order as found culpable by the Judicial Panel of Inquiry must be arrested and prosecuted. Soldiers including Lt Colonel S. O Bello, Major General Godwin Umelo must be prosecuted. Maroko Police Station DPO as at the time, CSP Ganiu Raji can not be walking free despite overwhelming evidence of the role he played in the killing of protesters.
Governor Babajide Sanwoolu must be made to face the International Criminal Court without delay for his role in sanctioning injustice, crimes against humanity and the embarrassing ploy to subvert justice.
In addition, we call for the release of all EndSARS and EndBadGovernance protesters who are unjustly imprisoned. Their continued detention is an affront to justice and human rights.
The judicial panel of inquiry, after a thorough investigation, made several recommendations which must be fully implemented. These include:
1. Adequate funding, training, and welfare for the police.
2. Transparent disciplinary actions against officers involved.
3. The prosecution of military and police officers who refused to honor the panel’s summons.
4. A national EndSARS Memorial Day on October 20th of every year, amongst others.
We urge the Nigerian government to act swiftly on these demands and ensure that justice is served. The Take it Back Movement will continue to stand with the Nigerian people, ensuring that the voices of our youths are never silenced again.
Join us on October 20th, 2024, for the march to honor our fallen heroes and demand the change Nigeria desperately needs.
Signed,
Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek (Lagos TIB coordinator)
Take it Back Movement
