Despite warning, #EndSARSMemorial protests kick off in Abuja, Lagos, other states

Nigerian youths on Wednesday took to the streets nationwide to commemorate the brutal massacre of their colleagues during the historic #EndSARS protests last year.

The defiant youth called bluff the warnings by state actors advising them to shelve the memorial exercise.

In Abuja, political activist, Deji Adeyanju and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, are leading the anniversary protest taking place at Unity Fountain amidst.

In Lagos, popular comedian, Macaroni and activist singer Falz are leading the car procession at the Lekki tollgate while security agencies which took over the area last night watched.

Already, a journalist and another protester have been whisked away by the police Wednesday morning while other demonstrators were ordered to confine themselves in an area around the premises.

In Oyo, Seun Fakorede, the state’s commissioner of youth and sports is leading protesters around the city.

In Edo, protesters moved around Benin, the state capital, chanting solidarity songs.

The five-point demands of the demonstrators presented last year during the global protests remain elusive although the rogue Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) was finally disbanded five days, on October 11, after the demonstrations began.

The then Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, two days after announced the creation of Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) to replace the scrapped unit.

The renaming of the brutal unit did not force the youths out of the streets because it continued to exist even after being previously scrapped thrice. The demonstrations was later suspended nationwide after soldiers swooped on protesters in Lagos and opened fire on them.