On October 20, 2020, Nigeria witnessed one of its most defining and tragic moments in recent history—the Lekki Toll Gate shooting, widely referred to as the Lekki Massacre. That evening, peaceful #EndSARS protesters gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos to demand an end to police brutality, particularly the abuses by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
As night fell, armed security forces reportedly opened fire on the unarmed demonstrators, despite the protesters waving Nigerian flags and singing the national anthem. Eyewitness accounts, live social media footage, and reports from international media outlets documented the chaos and panic that ensued. The exact number of casualties remains disputed, with government sources denying fatalities and independent investigations suggesting otherwise.
The incident sparked global outrage, with solidarity protests held in cities across the world. It also led to widespread calls for police reform, accountability, and justice for victims. The Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry later confirmed that excessive force was used and described the event as a “massacre.”
Five years later, October 20 remains a solemn day of remembrance for many Nigerians—a symbol of youth activism, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for justice and reform.
