By Hamzat Abdulqudus
Will 1st of August be a repeat of the 2020 EndSARS protest? This is the question many have been asking.
I can feel the tension growing in the streets of Lagos as adults, children, youths, traders, and workers are scared of the devastating events of the 2020 EndSARS protest.
Many who participated in the EndSARS protest are taking a back seat to watch how the 1st of August protest unfolds.
Meanwhile, the Federal and state governments, private organisations, NGOs, and security agencies are urging organisers to rescind their decision on the protest to prevent a repeat of the 2020 EndSARS catastrophic events.
In a bid to counter the planned protest, rallies were held in Bayelsa and Lagos States, where young people gathered to express support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In Lagos, the youths, who came from different locations, converged on Lagos Island, calling on other youths to shun violent protests. Also in Bayelsa State, women held placards bearing the inscription, “Say No to protest in Bayelsa”.
This, according to them, was part of the efforts to prevent a repeat of the 2020 EndSARS protest, which was marred by violence and destruction.
Flashback to 8th of October 2020, when Nigerians took to the streets to demonstrate against the maltreatment by the Nigeria Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), which was established to fight violent crimes. The protest began as a peaceful demonstration against police brutality but was infiltrated by disruptive elements, leading to widespread destruction and chaos. Initially, the protest showcased remarkable coordination and cooperation among youths, giving the impression that a unified and improved Nigeria was achievable
Different areas across Lagos were attacked, with destruction of government and private properties, elimination of policemen, looting of shopping malls, and more. It wasn’t long before the mayhem reached my local government, where hoodlums stormed the Igando Police station, set it ablaze, and then marched to the Ikotun Police station, burning it after finding no policemen on the ground. The rampage continued, with hoodlums looting numerous shops at Ikotun market, restaurants, malls, and stores selling phones, electrical gadgets, and other goods. As Twins Faja Supermarket and Foodcity, were looted, goods like phones, laptops, chargers, deep freezers, household items, and more were carted away.
My laptop, which was at my engineer’s shop waiting to be repaired, was a victim of the looting. Yes, it was that bad. Some were killed, many were arrested, some were released, and some are yet to be accounted for after policemen arrived at the scene, while the looting operation was ongoing.
Also, a Mobile Police officer was killed while walking along the road in the College area of Ikotun, while another unidentified man believed to be a police informant was beaten to death in the area; his corpse left in the open along the Ikotun-College road.
Some government properties that were destroyed during the chaos have not been renovated to date, with the exception of police stations. The traumatic experience has left a lasting impact, and many hope to never witness such nightmares again.
Therefore, it is imperative for President Tinubu to take prompt and decisive action to address the pressing issues of high fuel and food prices, as well as other essential costs, to foster a peaceful and stable environment during his presidency.
The 2020 EndSARS protest and its aftermath serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of widespread chaos and the importance of effective leadership in times of crisis. As President Tinubu navigates the complexities of his tenure, it is crucial that he prioritises the welfare and well-being of Nigerians, addressing the pressing issues that have the potential to spark further unrest and instability. By doing so, he can work towards creating a more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria for all.
Written by; Hamzat Abdulqudus
Lagos state.
Views expressed by contributors are strictly personal and not of Voice Air Media.