5 Years on: Nigerian Celebrities Remember Lives Lost During The #ENDSARS Protests

As Nigeria marks the fifth anniversary of the 2020 #EndSARS Protests, people have taken to social media to honour the memories of those who lost their lives across the country. Among those paying tributes to the fallen heroes are several celebrities who famously joined their voice with millions of Nigerian youths to demand an end to police brutality and mass corruption. 

The History of the #EndSARS Protest 

The #EndSARS protests began in early October 2020 after years of public outcry against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit of the Nigerian Police Force accused of extortion, harassment, torture, and extrajudicial killings over the years. 

The clamouring began as online activism but quickly grew into one of the largest youth-led movements in Nigeria’s history, with peaceful protests taking place across major states, including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Oyo.

The protests, which were sustained for two weeks, reached a tragic point on  October 20, 2020, when security forces led by the Nigerian Army opened fire on unarmed protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos.

The killings, now called the “Lekki Massacre,” resulted in heavy criticism across the globe. The Nigerian Army initially denied deploying troops to the Lekki Toll Gate before late admitting that soldiers were sent there with live ammunition at the behest of the Lagos State government. 

ALSO READ: How the #EndSARS movement influenced digital activism in Nigeria

Fifth Anniversary of the Endsars Protest: Celebrities Pay tributes To the Fallen Heroes 

Falz

Nigerian rapper FalzTheBahdGuy, who was one of the public figures at the forefront of the #ENDSARS protests, took to Instagram to share a short yet powerful video of himself among other mourners holding candles in remembrance.

He wrote, “I will tell the story of the martyrs of October 20, 2020. I will tell it to anyone and everyone who cares to listen—the story of the incredibly brave ones who laid down their lives for our cause.

I will let everyone know that no matter how much they try to erase the records or deny what we witnessed, they cannot demean the immeasurable sacrifice of our heroes. The ones that were gruesomely slain at the Lekki toll gate by zombies executing orders from some tone-deaf, power-hungry cowards.

Mr Macaroni:

Comedian and activist, Mr Macaroni, who was also at the forefront of the protests, took to X with a message.

Nigerian Youths lost their lives, jobs, families, and dreams at the hands of the most corrupt and evil People we call Leaders!!!  Even though my people are now in love with their Oppressors, this day, 20/10/2020, is never to be forgotten nor forgiven!

Nigerian Youths lost their lives, jobs, families and dreams at the hands of the most corrupt and evil People we call Leaders!!!
Even though my people are now in love with their Oppressors, this day 20/10/2020 is never to be forgotten nor forgiven! ✊

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