Widespread Agitation On The Reopening Of Lekki Toll Gate

The sad event of 20 October, 2020 is still fresh in the minds of Nigerians. On this day, EndSARS protesters at Lekki Toll Gate were shot, many injured and some killed.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the atrocities were carried out by the Nigerian Army. However, the government remains in denial about the events of that day.

Read Also: #EndSARS: The Lekki shooting and the many conspiracies

Perhaps out of anger and frustration, the Lekki Toll Gate was set ablaze. It has since been out of commission. Four months on, the Lagos State government is resuming services at the toll gate. This decision has irked some youths and they have decided to stage a protest on Saturday, 13 February, 2021.

Is protesting the solution?

No one has taken responsibility for the lives that were lost during last year’s nationwide protests. Some persons remain ‘missing’ while there have been a lot of disagreement about the facts surrounding the shootings.

It is pertinent to note that sponsored thugs infiltrated the EndSARS protests. After days of peaceful protests, hoodlums took over and caused mayhem by wreaking havoc on lives and property. Do the youths want to go through that again?

Patriotism is commendable. However, safeguarding one’s life is key. Afterall, where is patriotism without life?

You call those advising their friends not to go for the protest cowards, you accuse them of discouraging others. But you are in Lagos and you have no plans at all to go for the protest yourself because you're scared of what we all know might happen.

— Kelvin Odanz (Or Odense) (@MrOdanz) February 9, 2021

Tribalism: the bane of Nigeria

When violence erupted during the EndSARS protests in Lagos, there were claims that those involved were non-Yorubas.

That narrative implied that the protesters were out to destroy the state because they have nothing to lose. Furthermore, the Igbos were accused of trying to halt the growth of Lagos. This sort of negative sentiment makes one question the validity & authenticity of Nigeria’s unity.

I woke up this morning to see #DefendLagos as a reaction to #OccupyLekkiTollGate

And they have also made it look like a yoruba vs igbo battle.

Not shocked. Not surprised
Not at all.

They are simply confirming that they will surely bankroll hoodlums to cause mayhem on Saturday.

— #OurFavOnlineDoc 🩺🇳🇬🇬🇧💎 (@DrOlufunmilayo) February 9, 2021

Interestingly, the planned protest against the reopening of the toll gate has attracted a counter protest. The #DefendLagos group is saying that the Lekki Toll Gate should be reopened.

The need for an agreement

Many have been victims of police brutality. And the government’s decision to end the nefarious activities of the SARS operatives has not terminated police brutality in the country.

The aftermath of the EndSARS protest saw a judicial panel set up by the Lagos State government to address the grievances of the youth.

The requests brought before the judicial panel have not been met. Therefore, the youth representatives demand that the Lekki Toll Gate remains shut.

The government is adamant and the people will take to the streets again in a bid to make the government listen.

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Both parties – the judicial panel and the youth representatives – must come to an agreement so as to remove any grey areas that become a breeding ground for violence.