Mr Macaroni Says Nigerians Will Never Forget End SARS Tragedy

Five years after the End SARS protests, comedian and activist Adebowale Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has restated that Nigerians will never forgive or forget the events of October 20, 2020.

Marking the anniversary in a Facebook post on Monday, the activist reflected on what he described as one of the darkest days in Nigeria’s recent history. He said the country’s youth paid a painful price for speaking out against police brutality, losing lives, jobs, and dreams in the process.

Mr Macaroni, who was one of the notable voices during the 2020 protests, criticised those who continue to defend corrupt leaders. He said the tragedy of that day remains a scar that Nigerians must never allow to fade.

His message resonated across social media platforms as Nigerians commemorated the fifth anniversary of the End SARS movement. Many citizens, using the hashtag #EndSARS, paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the protests, especially at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, where peaceful demonstrators were allegedly shot by security forces.

On X (formerly Twitter), several users shared emotional messages remembering the victims and calling for justice. One user wrote that the bravery of those who faced police brutality still echoes, while another described the protesters as heroes who sacrificed their lives for a better Nigeria.

For many young Nigerians, October 20 remains a symbol of resistance and unity. The End SARS protests, which began as a call to end police violence, evolved into a broader demand for accountability and reform in governance.

What started as a peaceful demonstration soon spread nationwide, drawing global attention and support from international figures and human rights organisations. However, the movement ended in chaos and bloodshed, most notably at the Lekki Toll Gate, where security forces opened fire on protesters.

Five years later, activists say justice has yet to be served. Investigations into the shootings and other reported abuses have stalled, leaving victims’ families and survivors without closure. Despite government denials, the memory of that night continues to fuel public anger and calls for reform.

As tributes flood social media, Mr Macaroni’s words capture the sentiment of many Nigerians who insist that the struggle for justice and good governance will not end until the truth about October 20, 2020, is fully acknowledged.