Amnesty International has criticised the Nigeria Police Force after officers used tear gas on people assembled at Lagos’s Lekki Toll Gate on Tuesday to remember those who died during the 2020 #EndSARS demonstrations.
The human rights group said the event was intended to commemorate protesters killed on 20 October 2020, when nationwide rallies against police abuse were met with a violent crackdown.
In its statement, Amnesty International said the police action reflected a lack of respect for victims and survivors of the events six years ago. “The reckless use of tear gas shows utter contempt for the victims and survivors of the atrocities of government of Nigeria six years ago,” it said.
The group said the episode had renewed questions over whether Nigerians can safely exercise their right to gather peacefully. “The attacks on the memorial gathering at Lekki Toll Gate today show once again that nothing has changed about the attitude of Nigeria police toward people’s right to peaceful assembly,” it added.
Amnesty International called for an investigation and said any officers believed to have played a role should face due process. “The authorities must investigate today’s incident to ensure that police officers suspected of responsibility are held to account in fair trials,” the organisation said.
It emphasised that peaceful protest is a basic right, adding that “attack on peaceful assembly is unlawful.”
The organisation also urged President Bola Tinubu’s government to halt what it called continuing assaults on human rights. “President Bola Tinubu’s government must end its consistent attacks on human rights,” it said.
The #EndSARS movement began in October 2020, as protesters demanded an end to police brutality and the abolition of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, or SARS, a unit accused of extensive rights violations.
Lekki Toll Gate emerged as one of the central sites of the protests. The events of 20 October 2020 continue to shape Nigeria’s debate over human rights, as activists and survivors press for accountability and justice for those affected.
