A statement made by a media aide to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ignited fresh controversy and public outcry, with the aide claiming that several Nigerians were hunted down and executed during the October 2020 EndSARS protests. The aide, who has not been named in the statement, shared these details based on “facts available to him,” fueling further distrust in the handling of the aftermath of the protests.
This revelation comes as many Nigerians continue to question the lack of accountability surrounding the violent suppression of peaceful protests in Lagos and other parts of the country in October 2020. The protests, initially sparked by police brutality and the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), culminated in the infamous Lekki Toll Gate shooting, where unarmed protesters were reportedly shot by military personnel.
The aide’s statement echoes sentiments of frustration that have been prevalent since the events of October 2020, further exacerbating concerns about the treatment of citizens by law enforcement and security personnel. He shared a personal account from February 2021, when he and others were allegedly arrested and subjected to dehumanizing treatment by individuals he described as “criminals disguised as police officers.”
In his recounting, the aide quotes one of the supposed officers as saying:
“Olorun yo iya e pe o Loruko. A ba ti fi Emi yin sofo danu… E fe ma da Ijoba lamu abi.. o je fun ara e ni brain”
Translation: “God save your mama say you get name. We for don waste all of una for here.. na una wan dey worry govt ba? You better give yourself brain.”
This chilling statement highlights the level of intimidation and brutality some citizens faced, yet the aide notes that there was no investigation into these alleged abuses. He questions why such acts of dehumanization are never addressed, suggesting that they are part of a broader system that uses fear and intimidation as political tools.
The aide’s remarks also touch on the broader context of political violence and intimidation during elections. He alleges that before and after elections, individuals were seen wielding weapons and threatening voters, yet no action was taken by authorities to curb such activities. He points to these acts as part of a troubling pattern of enabling oppression, asking why the government would take action against strategies that “work in their favor.”
Additionally, the aide criticizes certain individuals within the government, specifically a fellow media aide to Governor Sanwo-Olu, who allegedly left the media field to engage in openly bigoted behavior on the streets. The lack of condemnation for such actions, according to the aide, highlights a troubling disregard for national unity and the fostering of hate.
“Bigotry has become the order of the day,” the aide says, calling for an end to the political divisions sowed by those in power. He further laments that politicians have used sycophants to deepen divides among Nigerians, making it increasingly difficult for the citizenry to engage in constructive dialogue.
The media aide concludes by expressing skepticism that any real investigation will take place, citing the lack of accountability from the Lagos State Government’s previous investigation panel. “We all know how that ended,” he says, suggesting that those in power are unlikely to take meaningful action.
The statement has prompted calls for renewed investigations into the 2020 EndSARS events and the alleged abuses that followed. Human rights organizations, civil society groups, and citizens are demanding greater transparency and accountability from government officials, with many questioning whether the political will exists to address these critical issues.
As the debate continues, many are left wondering if the lessons of 2020 will ever be learned or if the cycle of violence, intimidation, and impunity will persist.
