The Day Our Voices Roared – My Unforgettable "EndSARS" Experience

First and foremost here, I would sincerely thank my amazing audience for not leaving me but always showing me love, attention, and engagement, more of a pillar that supporty growth. I also deeply appreciate the Hive Reachout Community for this very outstanding opportunity to share a story that continues to echo in my heart till date 📅.

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• A Nation at Breaking Point

I can remember it like it's yesterday _ October 2020. Nigeria was really boiling. As a young citizen, I was so overwhelmed by the loud cry for justice. The very #EndSARS protest wasn't just a trend online or offline. It was indeed a movement, A voice for the voiceless, And for me, it was definitely the first time I truly felt the power of youth unity.

• The Event and the Insane Brutality

What really prompt/began as peaceful protests against the police brutality, extortion, and the unlawful killings by the SARS unit turned more into a national revolution. I did followed the protests closely from Uyo, by reading updates, watching livestreams, and also sharing posts to raise awareness. On that very day October 20, 2020, the unimaginable happened, Lekki Toll Gate Massacre. The Peaceful protesters, waving their flags and singing the national anthem, were shot directly at by the military forces. That moment still broke something in me.

• The Scene: Location, People, and Sponsors

The protest most locations spread across cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and more. The Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos became so symbolic. Thousands of Nigerian youths were all involve —students, activists, celebrities, tech workers, almost everyone stood up. The NGOs, local influencers, and even international voices supported the movement with food, legal help, and medical aid.

• The Tragedy and Lack of Justice

Till today presently, no one has been truly held accountable. The Denials replaced justice. Lives were lost. Dreams were all shattered. And yet, the spirit remained. Though I wasn’t physically present at the movement, I was emotionally involved and I’ve never been the same since then in my own country.

Conclusion

The #EndSARS protest still remains an unforgettable event in my life, not just for the pain, but obviously for the courage it stirred in us. It opened many of us the eyes to the importance of speaking up, of being more aware, and of staying united. It was one a tragedy in the history of Nigeria, But it was also a testimony of Nigerian youth power.

I invite @vero2001, @miztajovial and @coolbabe88 to join this Prompt