Nigerian comedian and activist, Debo Adebayo, popularly known as Mr. Macaroni, has once again taken to social media to mark the painful anniversary of the #EndSARS protest crackdown, widely known as the Lekki Massacre, which occurred on October 20, 2020.
In a powerful Facebook post published early Monday morning, Mr. Macaroni wrote:
“Nigerian Youths lost their lives, jobs, families and dreams at the hands of the most corrupt and evil People we call Leaders!!! Even though some of us are deeply in love with our Oppressors, this day 20/10/2020 is never to be forgotten nor forgiven! ”
The statement quickly went viral, with thousands of Nigerians echoing the sentiment as they continue to demand justice for the victims of the infamous night at the Lekki Toll Gate where peaceful protesters calling for an end to police brutality were allegedly met with gunfire from armed security forces.
Mr. Macaroni, who was among the many brave voices on the front lines of the protest, has remained a consistent figure in the fight for accountability and reform. On that fateful day, tens of thousands of young Nigerians took to the streets, chanting “Soro Soke” a Yoruba phrase meaning speak up as they demanded an end to the notorious SARS (Special Anti-Robbery Squad), a police unit accused of widespread human rights abuses.
A Night of Horror
Eyewitnesses and international observers have long described the events of October 20, 2020, as a state-sanctioned atrocity. Video footage streamed live on social media captured chaotic scenes as uniformed personnel allegedly fired live rounds into crowds of unarmed demonstrators who had been sitting, waving Nigerian flags, and singing the national anthem.
Despite denials and conflicting reports from government and military officials, human rights organizations such as Amnesty International have maintained that at least 12 people were killed, with many more injured or missing.
A Generation in Grief and Rage
For many Nigerian youths, #EndSARS was more than just a protest against police brutality it was a desperate cry for dignity, employment, and a future free from systemic oppression and corruption. In the aftermath of the massacre, many families have yet to receive justice or closure for their loved ones. Others continue to suffer the long-term impacts job loss, trauma, and societal backlash.
Mr. Macaroni’s post reflects the deep anger and sorrow still felt by millions:
“Some of us are deeply in love with our Oppressors,” he laments, highlighting a phenomenon where fear, political manipulation, and poverty have conditioned some citizens to remain silent or even support the very leaders accused of betraying them.
Still No Justice
Five years on, the official investigation into the Lekki shootings remains mired in controversy, with no high-profile prosecutions or acknowledgements of wrongdoing by those in power. For many, the government’s continued silence and refusal to take responsibility adds salt to an already deep wound.
Mr. Macaroni and others like him refuse to let the memory of that night fade. Instead, they’re using their platforms to amplify calls for justice and remembrance.
“This day is never to be forgotten nor forgiven,” he declared, cementing October 20th as a day of national mourning and resistance a date that has become a symbol of Nigeria’s struggle for justice, accountability, and true democracy.
