Mr. Macaroni Leads #EndSARS Anniversary Commemoration at Lekki Tollgate
Nigerian skitmaker Adebowale Adedeyo, popularly known as Mr. Macaroni, alongside a gathering of fellow Nigerians, convened at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos on Friday to observe the third anniversary of the tragic shootings that transpired during the #EndSARS protests on October 20, 2020.
However, the event was marked by a significant presence of police officers at the Lekki Tollgate, with Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa, and other senior police officials also present.
Excel Magazine International recalls that the Lagos State Police Command had issued a prior warning against any gatherings at the Lekki Tollgate area.
The #EndSARS protests, which rocked the nation in 2020, were a collective outcry against police brutality, extrajudicial killings, extortion, and the abuse of power, particularly by the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
Initially a peaceful movement, the protests eventually led to the federal government’s decision to disband SARS. Regrettably, the situation took a violent turn as criminals exploited the turmoil, resulting in the destruction of police stations, public facilities, and attacks on both law enforcement officers and civilians.
The climax of the protests unfolded on October 20 when the Nigerian Army intervened, reportedly opening fire on the demonstrators, resulting in the loss of life and injury among a predominantly youthful crowd.
