The Lagos State governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Laja Adeoye, has called for justice and accountability for victims of the October 20, 2020, Lekki Toll Gate shooting, insisting that the protection of citizens’ lives and fundamental rights must remain a priority in Nigeria.
Adeoye made the call in a statement marking the sixth anniversary of the incident, in which security operatives opened fire during the #EndSARS protest against police brutality in Lagos. He expressed sympathy with the families, friends and loved ones of those affected, saying the pain and memories of the tragedy remained significant six years after the incident.
On behalf of himself and members of the APM Lagos State chapter, Adeoye extended his condolences and solidarity to the affected families, praying for the repose of the souls of the departed and strength for those still grieving. He described the incident as a grave concern for the protection of citizens’ rights and the responsibility of government to safeguard lives.
The governorship candidate recalled earlier campaigns against police brutality, including activities at the Fela Shrine in Ikeja in 2017, following the killing of Kolade Johnson and other reported cases of police violence. He said such incidents underscored the urgent need for reforms that would ensure security agencies operate within the law and respect the dignity of every Nigerian.
Adeoye maintained that the rule of law must be upheld at all times, warning that public confidence in government suffers when citizens believe their safety is not adequately protected. He stressed that the right to life, liberty and security should not depend on an individual’s social status, political affiliation or economic circumstances.
He further argued that accountability remained essential to addressing the grievances arising from the Lekki incident. According to him, any individual found responsible for unlawful conduct should be subjected to due process, while victims and their families should receive appropriate recognition and redress. He called for the establishment and strengthening of measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Adeoye also urged the government and security agencies to uphold the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression, noting that democratic governance requires public institutions to serve the people and respect lawful dissent. He said the anniversary should encourage renewed commitment to justice, institutional accountability and the protection of fundamental human rights.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to preserve the memory of those affected by the Lekki shooting and work towards a country where lives are valued, peaceful protests are respected and no individual is above the law. “We will never forget,” Adeoye declared.
