On October 20, 2020, the world watched in horror as peaceful protesters demanding an end to police brutality in Nigeria were met with gunfire at the Lekki Toll Gate. What began as a nationwide movement under the banner of #EndSARS, calling for the disbandment of the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), culminated in a tragic event that became a stark reminder of the lengths to which oppressive governments will go to silence dissent. Four years later, as we commemorate the Lekki Toll Gate massacre, the fight for justice continues, but the civic space has continued to shrink, particularly for young women and girls.
The Lekki Toll Gate Massacre: A Brief Reflection
On that fateful night, thousands of Nigerian youth, united in peaceful protest, gathered at Lekki Toll Gate, waving flags and singing the national anthem. Their demands were simple yet profound: an end to police brutality, justice for victims of extrajudicial killings, and the reform of a policing system that had become synonymous with violence and corruption. However, instead of heeding the call for change, the government responded with violence. Security forces allegedly opened fire on the protesters, resulting in the loss of lives and leaving many others injured. The number of deaths remains a point of contention, but for those who witnessed the event, it was nothing short of a massacre.
In the aftermath, the Nigerian government attempted to stifle the narrative, first denying the shooting, then later downplaying the extent of the violence. The killings at Lekki became a turning point, a moment when the Nigerian youth lost faith in the promises of reform, and the harsh reality of state repression was laid bare.
Shrinking Civic Space and the Impact on Women and Girls
Since the #EndSARS protests, Nigeria’s civic space has continued to shrink. Government crackdowns on protests, increased surveillance, censorship of social media, and the harassment of activists have become more common. Those who speak out face intimidation, arrest, and in some cases, violence. This shrinking civic space disproportionately affects marginalized groups, particularly young women and girls, who have historically been silenced or sidelined in public discourse.
For young women and girls, the risks of participating in activism or speaking out against injustice are magnified. Gender-based violence, a pervasive issue in Nigeria, is often weaponized to suppress female voices. Female activists are subjected to harassment, threats of sexual violence, and online bullying, creating a climate of fear that stifles their participation in the political sphere. The narrowing of the civic space thus becomes not only a matter of political repression but also a gendered issue, where the safety and rights of women and girls are increasingly under threat.
Vision Spring Initiatives’ Call to Action
As we mark the fourth anniversary of the Lekki massacre, Vision Spring Initiatives (VSI) reflects on the courage and resilience of the Nigerian youth, particularly the women and girls who have continued to fight for justice despite the growing challenges. In a statement commemorating the anniversary, VSI calls for renewed efforts to combat the shrinking civic space, stressing that a vibrant and inclusive civic space is essential for true democracy and social justice.
According to VSI, the Lekki Toll Gate massacre serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect the right to peaceful assembly and free expression. “The voices of women and girls must be heard,” says VSI Executive Director. “When civic spaces shrink, it is women and marginalized groups who bear the brunt of the repression. We cannot build a just society if half of our population is silenced or sidelined.”
Young Women and Girls as Drivers of Change
Despite the risks, young women and girls have continued to play a critical role in advocating for justice and equality in Nigeria. From the #EndSARS protests to ongoing activism around gender-based violence, young women have been at the forefront, challenging the status quo and demanding a society that respects their rights. VSI recognizes the importance of supporting and empowering these young leaders to reclaim civic spaces and advocate for their rights.
Moving Forward: Reclaiming Civic Spaces for Women and Girls
As we remember the lives lost and the sacrifices made during the #EndSARS protests, Vision Spring Initiatives urges all stakeholders—civil society, government, and the international community—to work towards expanding civic spaces rather than shrinking them. There is an urgent need to protect the rights of women and girls, ensuring that they can participate fully and safely in public discourse.
To honor the memory of those who lost their lives at Lekki Toll Gate, VSI will continue to advocate for policies that safeguard the rights of women and girls and expand their access to civic participation. The upcoming video monologue contest, ‘Voices of Courage: Reclaiming Civic Space and Combating SGBV for Young Women’, as part of the 16 Days of Activism, is one such initiative that aims to amplify the voices of young women as they challenge the shrinking civic space and fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Four years after the Lekki massacre, the wounds remain fresh, but so too does the resolve of young Nigerians, especially women and girls, to fight for a more just and equitable society. As we commemorate this tragic event, Vision Spring Initiatives calls for a renewed commitment to expanding civic space, protecting the rights of all citizens, and ensuring that young women and girls are not just participants in the struggle for justice, but leaders in the fight for a better Nigeria. The journey towards justice and equity may be long, but the voices of the Nigerian youth, especially its women, will not be silenced.
Let us remember, let us resist, and let us reclaim our rights.