The Osun State chapter of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, has passionately appealed to local and international human rights organizations to fervently demand justice for the victims of the tragic 2020 Lekki Tollgate #EndSARS shooting.
Today marks the third anniversary of the protests and as Nigerians commemorate this significant day, the Osun CDHR, through a joint statement signed by Emmanuel Olowu, Chairman, and Bamitale Olufadeju, Secretary, passionately called on the Federal Government to mandate the lowering of the Nigerian Flag to half-mast on October 20 each year, as a mark of honour for the lives lost during the protests.
Emphasizing the significance of this date, the CDHR expressed concern that the memories of the victims seem to be slowly fading away from the consciousness of the Nigerian citizens, as the nation has yet to officially document the event in the historical archives.
Highlighting an important piece of evidence, the CDHR drew attention to a letter addressed by the Lagos State Government to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health. Dated July 19, 2023, the letter titled “Letter of No Objection, Mass Burial for 103, the Year 2020 #EndSARS Victims” confirms that the Nigerian military shot and killed peaceful protesters.
In light of this revelation, the CDHR strongly condemned the Lagos State Government, the Nigerian Military, and the Nigerian Government, pointing out the illogicality of a government that was meant to protect its citizens denying the killings, only to later admit to the existence of 103 dead bodies and allocate a significant amount of money for their mass burial.
Through this medium, the CDHR appeals to both local and international human rights organizations to join forces in pursuing justice for the victims, ensuring that those responsible for the heinous act are held accountable.
Furthermore, the CDHR urges the Nigerian government to bring significance to the lives lost during the #EndSARS saga by mandating the yearly lowering of the Nigerian flag, symbolizing remembrance and reverence for the departed souls.
