Six Years After Lekki Toll Gate Incident, Peter Obi Demands Justice for EndSARS Victims

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has renewed his call for good governance and respect for human rights, insisting that no Nigerian should be punished for demanding a better country.

Obi made the remarks on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, as he marked six years since the Lekki Toll Gate incident of October 20, 2020, which occurred during the #EndSARS protests against police brutality.

In a statement posted on X, Obi stressed the need for Nigeria to become a country where citizens can demand accountability and a better future without fear of punishment.

“Nigeria must become a nation where no citizen is punished for demanding good governance and a better future,” he said.

He described the anniversary as a solemn moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by young Nigerians who took to the streets to demand change.

“Today, October 20, 2026, marks the sixth anniversary of the Lekki Toll Gate shootings, a painful reminder of the price Nigerian youths paid in their demand for a better country.”

Recalling the events of that night, Obi said peaceful protesters were met with gunfire, leaving people dead and others injured. He noted that the incident continued to raise critical questions about justice, accountability and the protection of human life.

“On that fateful night, peaceful #EndSARS protesters were met with gunfire. Lives were lost, many were injured, and the nation was left with questions about justice, accountability, and the sanctity of human life.”

The NDC presidential candidate called on Nigerians to preserve the memory of those affected and ensure that injustice is never accepted as a normal part of society.

“We must never forget. We must never normalise injustice,” Obi declared.

He further expressed confidence in the possibility of building a “New Nigeria” founded on the protection of citizens, respect for young people’s voices and responsible exercise of government authority.

“As we remember the victims, I reaffirm my belief that a New Nigeria is possible—a country where citizens are protected, not brutalised; where young people are heard, not silenced; and where government power is exercised with responsibility and respect for human rights.”

Obi said the victims’ sacrifices should serve as a lasting reminder of the need to prevent similar tragedies in the future. He also prayed for the souls of those who died during the incident.

“May the souls of the departed continue to rest in peace. May their sacrifice strengthen our resolve to build a Nigeria where this tragedy will never be repeated.”

He ended his statement by reiterating his vision of a Nigeria in which every life is valued and citizens can peacefully demand better governance.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry’s 2021 report found that Nigerian Army officers shot, injured and killed unarmed protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate. The panel said the manner of the assault and killings could be described as a massacre in context.

According to Vanguard, the panel identified at least 48 protesters who were shot, injured or assaulted during the incident.

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