The Aftermath of 20.10.2020: Government, Activists, and a Nation in Turmoil - by JM OWOLABI (Omobabaijebu)

Exactly three years ago, on this fateful day in 2020, our beloved Nigeria bore witness to the tragic loss of young lives across the nation, with the epicenter of sorrow residing in Lagos state. Here, exuberant army officers unleashed their weapons upon unarmed protesters, resulting in a dreadful toll of death, injury, and the loss of countless breadwinners. Paradoxically, from the ashes of this tragedy emerged a new breed of emergency activists, using this dire situation to fuel their rise to prominence.

In the wake of this tragedy, the government and its leaders failed to acknowledge their complicity in this mass murder. Instead, they engaged in a bewildering dance of evasion and finger-pointing. Can we blame the people for demanding a better life, for insisting that the pervasive intimidation and oppression at the hands of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) must cease?

Three years have elapsed, and what tangible measures have the government undertaken to ensure the safety of its citizens? Regrettably, very little. Tear gas still fills the air when groups of young individuals gather to voice their concerns about the societal ills plaguing our nation.

Moreover, for these grieving families, there exists no avenue to lay their loved ones to rest, nor any collective mourning for the victims. The government's silence speaks volumes – it is an implicit admission of guilt. They bear the responsibility for the death of innocent Nigerians, and it is high time they acknowledge it.

The End SARS movement also inadvertently ushered in a new era of emergency activists, individuals who claim to love Nigeria more than anyone else. For them, the metrics of success became Twitter statistics and personal gain from generous international donations. Many of these activists have since left the country, transforming their role from advocates for change to opportunists capitalizing on tragedy.

This grim reality reflects the pervasive nature of oppression in our society, where every individual harbors the potential to oppress others. Even the leaders of today, who once fought for freedom, have, upon seizing power, too often become worse than those they once criticized.

In this dark chapter of our history, the government, military officers, and emergency activists share a collective stain of blood on their hands. It is my fervent hope that they confront this stark reality and take the necessary actions to heal a nation scarred by tragedy.

In the memory of the departed, may their souls rest in eternal p