Six years after the October 2020 EndSARS protests, many Nigerians are looking back, not just at the images of the demonstrations, but at what the period meant to them personally.
People lived through those days in different ways. Some felt afraid and unsure of what would happen next. Others felt united with fellow citizens over shared concerns. Many simply watched from home, following updates on their phones and trying to understand what was going on across the country.
Standing Together
Young Nigerians were at the heart of the movement. Seeing people from different walks of life come together for a common cause was, for many, a hopeful sight. Social media played a big role, spreading information and connecting people in different parts of the country.
Passing the Story On
Six years is long enough for memories to fade, especially for those who did not fully understand what was happening at the time. Many younger Nigerians now know EndSARS only through old videos, social media posts, family conversations or the stories of people who were there. How those stories are told today will shape how future generations see this chapter of Nigeria’s history.
Remembering does not mean everyone must see the events the same way. It means making room for honest accounts, listening to one another and respecting different experiences.
What Should We Never Forget?
As the sixth anniversary is marked, the bigger question is what Nigerians believe deserves to be remembered. For some, it is the power of unity. For others, it is the need to listen to young people, the value of peaceful expression or the importance of treating every citizen with dignity. Some will hold on most to their own personal experiences.
No single memory can speak for a whole country. But sharing these memories can build understanding rather than division.
EndSARS remains part of Nigeria’s story, and how it is remembered will depend on the conversations Nigerians keep having. Perhaps the most important question this anniversary raises is not just what people remember, but what they believe the country should never forget.
