Tuesday, August 25, 2026

#EndSARS: Protesters return to Abuja streets, despite fears of thug violence

Protesters say today’s demonstration was largely peaceful, but witnessed pockets of harassment from military personnel.

• November 1, 2020
#EndSARS protest used to illustrate the story
#EndSARS protest used to illustrate the story

More than a week after protesters demanding an end to decades of police brutality in Nigeria retreated from the streets, dozens of #EndSARS campaigners resumed demonstrations Sunday afternoon in the Federal Capital Territory.

Peoples Gazette gathered that the campaigners, who converged on the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, made ‘EndSARS’ paintings on the road while chanting solidarity songs.

One of the protesters, Oluwatosin Adeniji, told the Gazette that the protest which was largely peaceful, however, witnessed pockets of harassment from military personnel.

“Although we were less than 50, we went there peacefully with our graffiti materials. While we were chanting ‘end SARS, end police brutality’, we were approached by a military personnel who hastily removed the name badge on his uniform”, Ms. Adeniji said.

“The soldier, accompanied by other officers demanded to speak with the leader of the protest, but we told him we had none. One of the officers who noticed I was live streaming, forcefully grabbed my phone from behind.”

The Gazette learnt that after protracted arguments, Ms. Adeniji’s phone was released and the protesters were allowed to carry on with the demonstration.

The campaigners, joined by rights activist Omoyele Sowore continued the protest at the Force Headquarters unrestrained.

https://twitter.com/adeyanjudeji/status/1322940065551704065?s=20

Ms. Adeniji and other protesters are demanding speedy implementation of their ‘5 for 5’ demands seeking justice for all deceased victims of police brutality and compensation for their families, amongst others.
The resurgence of the protest has heightened fears of renewed thug violence in the capital city. 

The street demonstration was initially relaxed after suspected pro-government assailants ran amok in the Apo and Dutse suburbs, leaving scores dead and many shops, houses and vehicles razed.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

police

States

One killed, three injured after gunman invaded Kano wedding: Police

Police said they arrested a 34-year-old man, Rabiu Mukhtar, in connection with the attack.

Image used to illustrate the story

Heading 1

At least 30 killed, 60 abducted in terrorist attacks on four Niger communities

“The main attack largely took place in Dekara community, where over 30 people were killed, and over 60 people were taken away,” he said.

Bello Matawalle

NationWide

2027: Matawalle urges prayers for peace

Mr Matawalle urged Muslims in Nigeria to use the Maulud period to pray for peace ahead of the 2027 elections.

Minister of Works David Umahi

States

Umahi apologises over Benin-Sapele road, orders arrest of contractors

Mr Umahi apologised to commuters for the deplorable condition of the Benin-Sapele road, which he said has caused untold hardship.

FG to ‌⁠‍‍⁠⁠‌‌⁠‍‍⁠‍⁠‌review Benin-Asaba highway

States

FG to ‌⁠‍‍⁠⁠‌‌⁠‍‍⁠‍⁠‌review Benin-Asaba highway concession over poor handling

Mr Umahi said the concessionaire lacked the technical competence required to execute the project.