2020 has been a historic year in many ways. Only a few days after Nigeria celebrated its 60th independence anniversary from colonial rule, a spate of protests erupted across the country, which has crossed international borders, as Nigerians home and abroad call for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the police force and an end to police brutality.
The #EndSARS protest is the largest revolution the country has seen, but it is also just an unpleasant addition to an already odd year. Below are ten things that happened before the #EndSARS protest, and 2020 at a glimpse.
Keke/Okada Ban – the Lagos state government in February, announced the ban of commercial operation of okada and keke along several major roads in Lagos. This announcement left several thousand cyclists jobless, and the majority of the Lagos state population stranded. Okadas and kekes being the major and cheapest means of transportation within the state.
Coronavirus – the COVID-19 pandemic took the world by surprise and by February 27, Nigeria recorded its first Coronavirus case. There have been over 60,000 confirmed cases of the virus in Nigeria and over one thousand deaths recorded.
Abule Ado Explosions – on an early Sunday morning in March, residents of Abule Ado, in Festac, woke up to noise from an explosion as a tanker crashed into a building housing gas cylinders. The explosion took the lives of over 20 people and destroyed over 130 buildings.
Lockdown – as the spread of the Coronavirus reached pandemic status, countries began locking down their borders and cities to curb the spread even as scientists worked round the clock to understand the virus and create a vaccine. On Tuesday, March 31st, President Buhari announced a 14 day lockdown of Lagos and Ogun states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Don’t Rush Challenge – out of the despair that 2020 has brought, the Don’t Rush challenge was a positive time in the lockdown. It was a moment of genuine relaxation and joy, as social media users put their spin on the fun viral challenge.
Black Lives Matter – in May, the video of George Floyd, pressed on the floor, calling out for his mother, while a police officer kneeled on his neck till he died went viral on social media. The video signalled the Black Lives Matter protests that spread through cities in the United States of America calling for an end to systemic racism and police brutality against Black people in America.
Justice For Uwa – in June, a rash of rape and gender-based violence hit the news. The repeated cases finally hit breaking point with the Nigerian masses especially women and soon the #JusticeForUwa hashtag spread across social media calling for these rape cases to be addressed.
Hush Puppi’s Arrest – in June, news of the arrest of Hush Puppi and his associates by the Dubai police force on charges of fraud hit the airwaves. The arrest made for sensational news as Hush Puppi is a high profile personality in Nigeria, popular for constantly flaunting his lavish lifestyle on social media.
Big Brother Naija Lockdown– in August, what would be the biggest season of Big Brother Naija yet began airing. The lockdown led to the largest audience tune in the reality show had ever recorded. While it aired, Nigerian youths, particularly on social media, banded, collaborated and showed support for their favourite housemates.
EndSARS– On Saturday 3 October 2020, a video showing a SARS official shooting a young man at Ughelli, Delta State went viral on social media. The video sparked outrage against the common practice of police brutality in Nigeria, and only a week after, the #EndSARS protest began.
