Five years after the tragic shooting of peaceful protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos State, the human rights organization Global Rights is reiterating its call for justice and accountability for the victims of the October 20, 2020, #EndSARS massacre.
In a poignant statement titled “Waiting for Accountability: 20.10.20 — Five Years On,” Abiodun Baiyewu, the executive director of Global Rights, expressed deep concern over the lack of accountability.
Despite the establishment of multiple judicial panels of inquiry aimed at probing the killings and addressing police abuses, no individuals have been held responsible, and most recommendations from these panels remain unimplemented.
Baiyewu characterized the ongoing absence of justice as “a deep wound on Nigeria’s democracy,” emphasizing that this situation has significantly eroded the trust between citizens and their government.
“The tragic events of October 20, 2020, when armed security forces opened fire on peaceful protesters holding the Nigerian flag and singing the national anthem, drove that deficit even deeper,” she said.
According to her, the #EndSARS movement was not only a protest against police brutality but a broader call for justice, accountability, and reform in governance.
“The protesters’ five demands — justice for victims, compensation for families, police oversight, reform, and better welfare for officers — remain largely unmet,” Baiyewu added.
The group expressed concern that the repression of peaceful dissent continues, citing the government’s handling of the #EndBadGovernance protests of 2024, where at least 30 protesters were reportedly killed and dozens detained, including minors accused of treason.
Global Rights warned that the misuse of laws such as the Cybercrime Act to target journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens undermines democratic freedoms and silences legitimate dissent.
“This practice erodes the foundation of democracy and sends a dangerous message — that freedom of expression exists only on paper,” the statement said.
The rights group restated its key demands to the Nigerian government, including call for Accountability, Reform, Respect for Rights and Civic Protection.
Baiyewu emphasised that protests are not a threat to democracy but a form of civic participation that can strengthen governance when properly managed.
“No government enjoys criticism — but strong democracies use it as feedback,” she said. “Nigeria must learn to listen to its citizens, not muzzle them.”
As the anniversary approaches, the demand for justice grows louder, highlighting the urgent need for meaningful action to address the grievances of the victims and restore faith in the nation’s democratic processes.
About the Author
