By Adejesu
On this day, two years ago, innocent citizens were massacred at Lekki Tollgate, Lagos by members of the Nigerian Army according to reports, and till this day, Nigerians are still asking, “who gave the order?”
A day of mixed feelings. A day of tremendous impact. A day of blood stains. A day a lot of innocent souls were added to the memories of history. A day the young and old of Nigeria will continue to remember from generation to generation. October 20, 2020, was the day.
#ENDSARS #ENDPOLICEBRUTUALITY was the tag and voice of the brave youths who had no weapons but their voices. In mass numbers, simplicity, and oneness, the Nigerian youths gathered at Lekki Toll Gate, protested, and clamored for peace. At that time, before the above-mentioned date, Nigeria was in quite a disarray. The community was not safe and neither was the home. A home that was meant to be a shield became a battleground. People could not walk, work and rest in peace. Houses were invaded by the SARS all in the name of stopping cyber fraud (Yahoo Yahoo). Elegant and vibrant future leaders were chartered away. “One nation bound in freedom, peace, and unity,” a line of the Nation’s anthem reads. Yet, peace and unity were held captive during the said period. Youths protested with peace and unity during the said time. Nigerians of different religions were seen feasting together at Lekki Toll Gate and other places where protests for this same reason were held. Food in surplus was made available for the protesters, airtime of different amounts and networks, hospitality and care were the father of the day. Nigerians were solely united then. Hearts were aligned. Hands were joined. With one voice, Nigerians roared, “solidarity is forever, we shall always fight for our rights”. Through the actions of these faithful citizens, the glimpse of a better Nigeria was in view for a short period, only to be put off by the big hands of darkness.
On October 20, 2020, the souls of the peaceful protesters at Lekki Toll Gate were snatched from them violently. Blood flooded Nigeria. War would be a great idea here as the big hand of darkness flooded the glimpse of light that was in view. Mighty weapons were brought on these weaponless groups at dusk. Nigeria was in total darkness for days. Souls were lost. Nigeria lost great future leaders. Breadwinners were lost. Mothers of David, Samuel, and Jesus were lost. Brothers were lost. Sisters were lost. Change aspirants were held captive and many are still captives till today; all because they were standing with one voice for their right to “peace”. Many protesters at Lekki Toll Gate died. Many hearts of the Nigerian people died.
However, citizens clamored after the incident as they said some government officials claimed that there was no shooting. “How then were lives lost?” “Who gave the order?”.
The tremendous effects of the said date cannot be hidden in history. No, not for a minute. The effort of these youth brought an end to SARS, and to some extent reduced police brutality.
Memories received tons of names added to her forcefully. Families were broken.
“The labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain”. Arise O Compatriots, for this day, we mourn great heroes and heroines.
Attention!
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