Senator Shehu Sani, in a heartfelt plea on Monday, June 10, 2024, called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise compassion and release all individuals who are still incarcerated due to their participation in the EndSARS protests.
Drawing inspiration from the spirit of the June 12 struggle, Senator Sani emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of justice and freedom.
The EndSARS protests, which took place in 2020, saw Nigerian youths take to the streets to voice their grievances against police brutality and the challenging socio-economic conditions in the country.
However, on the fateful night of October 20, 2020, the Nigerian Armed Forces reportedly opened fire on peaceful protesters at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos.
The incident sparked international outrage, with Amnesty International raising concerns about the removal of CCTV cameras shortly before the shooting occurred.
In the aftermath of the protests, there were widespread attacks on police stations, other law enforcement establishments, and officers throughout the nation. While some protesters have since been released, there are still individuals believed to be held in various police stations.
Senator Sani’s appeal to President Tinubu, rooted in the historical struggles faced by the Nigerian people, aims to seek justice and reconciliation for those who have been detained in the aftermath of the EndSARS protests.
By highlighting the significance of the June 12 struggle, Senator Sani calls for a reflection on the principles of democracy and human rights that should guide the actions of the government.