Selected Tweets About The Oct. 20, 2020 Massacre Of Unarmed #EndSARS (End Police Brutality) Protesters In Lagos, Nigeria

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post provides information about Nigeria, West Africa's #EndSARS protest movement and provides examples of tweets about the October 20, 2020 massacre of multiple unarmed #End SARS protesters by Nigerian soldiers at Lekki toll gate in Lagos, Nigeria. 

The content of this post is presented for historical, political, and informational purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those peaceful protesters who have been active in the #End SARs protest movement.  Rest in power all those who have lost their lives in the Lekki Massacre and blessings to all of those who were injured in that massacre.

****
INFORMATION ABOUT THE #ENDSARS PROTEST MOVEMENT
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End_SARS
"End Special Anti-Robbery Squad (End SARS) or #EndSARS is a decentralized social movement against police brutality in Nigeria. The slogan calls for an end to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a controversial unit of the Nigerian Police Force with a long record of abuses.[5] The protests started in 2017 as a Twitter campaign using the hashtag #ENDSARS to demand the Nigerian government eliminate the force.[6][7][8] After experiencing a revitalization in October 2020, mass demonstrations were occurring throughout Nigeria in major cities, and the hashtag had 28 million tweets.[9] Nigerians have shared both stories and video evidence of how members of SARS engaged in kidnapping, murder, theft, rape, torture, unlawful arrests, humiliation, unlawful detention, extrajudicial killings, and extortion in Nigeria.[10] SARS officers have been alleged to profile youths based on fashion choices, mount illegal road blocks and searches, conduct unwarranted temperature checks, arrest without warrant, rape women, and extort young Nigerians for driving exotic vehicles and using iPhones.[11]

Within a few days of renewed protests, some claimed victory as the Nigerian Police Force announced it was dissolving SARS on Sunday, 11 October 2020.[12] However, many noted similar promises had been made in recent years, and that the government planned to reassign and review SARS officers to medical centres rather than remove them entirely.[13] Protests have continued accordingly, and the Nigerian state has maintained a pattern of violent repression, including the killing of demonstrators.[14] There have been international demonstrations in solidarity with those happening in the country, and the scope of the movement has also grown increasingly critical of the Muhammadu Buhari-fronted Nigerian state and society as a whole.[15]”…

-snip-
Here are two other links to information about the #End SARS protest movement:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/16/black-lives-matter-everywhere-support-endsars-nigeria "Black lives matter everywhere. That's why the world should support the #EndSARS movement"
Police brutality in Nigeria has sparked huge national protests. There should be international outrage too

 Chibundu Onuzo, Fri 16 Oct 2020 09.03 EDT, Last modified on Fri 16 Oct 2020 23.37 EDT

**
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/artists-support-endsars-protests-in-nigeria/ "11 Artists Supporting the #EndSARS Protests in Nigeria"

Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, and many more artists are calling for an end to police brutality.
Joe McCarthy, Oct. 15, 2020

****
PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE
This post doesn't purport to be a compilation of all the tweets or types of tweets in these hashtags.

[UPDATE: Oct. 21, 2020 at 12:37 PM ET. 

There are now three twitter hashtags that are trending in the United States:

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LekkiMassacre

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23EndSARS

https://twitter.com/search?q=Nigeria

and

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23EndSarsNow

There are a number of tweets from Nigerian politicians, leaders, and celebrities including Idris Alba. There also were tweets about statements from international bodies such the United Nations as well as tweets from the United Kingdom where parliament is discussing these  protests, some of which continue to be met by with gunfire from the Nigerian military.

There are also a number of tweets from politicians from the United States that aren't included in this pancocojams post, including a tweet from Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden, and from US celebrities, including Beyonce. 

**
As of a number of tweets, including this tweet in the #LekkiMassacre hashtag, the President of Nigeria still hadn't addressed the nation about this tragedy:

Aisha Yesufu

@Aisha_yesuf

1h [retrieved at 8:39 AM ET Oct. 21, 2020] 

I still cannot believe that an alleged healthy and alive President of Nigeria cannot address his Nation in respect to the on going chaos.

WHERE IS BUHARI?

WHAT ARE THEY HIDING FROM US?

IS BUHARI STILL ALIVE?

RT TILL WE GET ANSWERS!!! [2 Public address loudspeaker emojis] 

#LekkiMassacre #LekkitollgateMassacre

-end of update-

I purposely included some examples of tweets that I read in those hashtags from celebrities from the United States and tweets from United States politicians. I also purposely included some examples of tweets from other people in the United States who aren't celebrities or aren't politicians.

I also purposely include some examples of tweets that I read in those hashtags from Nigerian music performers whose names I recognized (though I admit that I probably unintentionally overlooked some people in those categories.)  I also purposely included some examples of tweets which mentioned Nigerian music/singers (such as the tweet that mentions Fela.)

In addition, I purposely included some examples of tweets that quoted song lyrics and/or mentioned people singing during these protests.

**
At 8:00 PM ET, shortly after I began retrieved these tweets, #End SARS was trending at #1 in the USA with 3450K  tweets and "Nigeria" was trending #2 in the United States with 2378K tweets. (It's very unusual for tweets about non-USA nations-except for K-Pop music groups -to be in the top ten of the USA's trending twitter hashtags, let alone be in the #1 and #2 spots.   

When I began editing this post for publication, #EndSARS (at 9:27 PM ET) is trending at #4  with 3323K tweets and "Nigeria" is trending at #5 with 2317K tweets. [I don't tweet and I don't understand why the number of tweets has decreased from 8:00PM to 9:27 PM.]

All of these tweets are from Oct. 20, 2020. I added hours and minutes to the time stamps for some of these tweets.

These tweets are given in no particular order. Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.

WARNING: SOME OF THE VIDEOS AND PHOTOGRAPHS IN THESE TWITTER HASHTAGS ARE VERY GRAPHIC. 

****
SELECTED TWEETS FROM THE TOP #1 TRENDING TWITTER HASHTAG IN THE UNITED STATES (around 8:00 PM ET Oct. 20, 2020)

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23EndSARS

1.  Omoniyi Israel

@Omoissydeyhere

14m

Let it be on record that Rihanna spoke on the #EndSARs Lekki Killings before Buhari and his VP.

**
2. Stephanie Busari

@StephanieBusari

4m

I have spent the past hour along with my colleague

@eoin9411

 speaking to eyewitnesses to piece together what happened tonight. They told us that the protesters were barricaded on both sides of the toll gate and fired on.

Full report here https://cnn.it/2FRwV96 #EndSARS

**
3. Smi

@smino

4m

Prayin 4 dem folks n Nigeria mane #EndSARS

**
4. Vanguard Newspapers

@vanguardngrnews

18m

Hilary Clinton calls on Buhari, Army to stop killing of #EndSARS protesters https://vanguardngr.com/2020/10/hilary-clinton-calls-on-buhari-army-to-stop-killing-of-endsars-protesters/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter #vanguardnews

**
5. DJ SWITCH

@DJ_Swiitch

11m

If you know me I’ve always spoken against the injustice and ill treatment of our citizens. I AM PROUD TO BE A PART OF A HISTORIC REVOLUTION MOVEMENT!!! [3 emoji of Raised fist]

 #LekkiMassacre #Lekkitollgate #Lekki #EndSARS #StopNigeriaGovernment

**
6. Nigeria Newsdesk

@NigeriaNewsdesk

16m

Rihanna voices support for #EndSARS protests https://politicsnigeria.com/breaking-rihanna-voices-support-for-endsars-protests/via

**

7. Ayo SamBilliards [drawing of Flag of Nigeria]

@SamSmilezz

13m

Do not forget that

1. Curfew was ordered.

2. Security cameras were taken out

3. Electricity was shot down

4. Peaceful protesters sitting on the floor holding hands were shot at

4. Ambulances were refused entry until later

5. We watched someone die live

#EndSARS #LekkiMassacre

**
8. Bayo #SARSMUSTEND

@mr_adebayo5

15m

Fela been warn us about Buhari [2 emoji of Loudly crying face, and 1 emoji of Broken heart] #EndSARS #LekkiMassacre

**
9. Nigerian Tribune

@nigeriantribune

7m

#EndSARS:

@Rihanna

 condemns torture, brutalisation of Nigerians, says it’s a betrayal to the citizens

**
10. Facts About Africa

@OnlyAfricaFacts

9m

These are the peaceful, unarmed protesters at Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos, whom the Nigerian military shot live rounds of ammunition at; 20-10-20.

They were waving the Flag of Nigeria flag, singing the national anthem when nonstop fire was opened on them.

They continued singing ... [2 emoji of Broken heart] #EndSARS

**
11. Eyinjuolodumare EOC

@eyinjuolodumar

18m

Pls pray for DJ SWITCH the iron Lady, she was also out there helping wounded Nigerian Youths, and documenting Important Evidence...

Please, in all you do, pray for her...#LekkiMassacre

#EndSARS

#BuhariResignNow

**
12. Jidenna

@Jidenna

5m

To the African diaspora, Nigeria needs you to amplify rn! The Nigerians that are in your crew, your class, your sports teams, your offices, your playlists, your films, your hospitals...they all need you rn. We need you to be even louder than we’re known to be. #EndSARS

 **
13. AFROPUNK

@afropunk

10m

World, Nigeria needs us. Peaceful protests have gone tragically violent as authorities have killed Nigerian protesters. #EndSARS

Please use this thread to share resources & links. PLEASE add a trigger warning IF sending any graphic images. Wishing 4 safety.

**
14. Kingsley Moghalu

@MoghaluKingsley

11m

There is a problem when law enforcement and the military in a country are far more efficient in killing and brutalizing citizens than in  combating crime and terrorism. We can't whitewash this foundational issue. It's a fundamental failure of governance. #EndSARS #LekkiMassacre

 **
15, United Zone

@ManUnitedZone_

3m

Ighalo: “I’m sad and I don’t know where to start from. Nigerian government, you are a shame to the world for killing your own citizens, protesters that are protesting for their rights - it’s uncalled for.” #EndSARS

**
16. Akpraise

@AkpraiseMedia

12m  [8:01 PM ET October 10, 2020]

There are still shooting at unarmed protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate #EndSARS #LekkiMassacre

**
17. EiE Nigeria

@EiENigeria

13m

"Members of the Nigerian army pulled up on us and they started firing, They were shooting, they were firing straight, directly at us, and a lot of people got hit. I just survived, barely."- An eye witness

#StopNigeriaGovernment #EndSARS

**
18. All Love Hip Hop

@AllLoveHipHop

6m

Everything that’s going on in Nigeria right now is absolutely heartbreaking to witness, the government are killing their own people and something MUST change. Praying for everybody in Nigeria right now [drawing of Flag of Nigeria; emoji of Red heart]

 #EndSARS

**
19. Aros

@Dami_aros

15m

I love how the Nigerian celebrities of great influence and citizens are speaking up with no fear and calling out the government. This is not just #EndSARS protest it is a revolution for a better Nigeria. I’m proud to be part of it. [Flag of Nigeria, emoji of Raised fist]

**
20. Alex Telles

@Alextelles27_

15m [8:04 PM ET Oct. 10, 2020]

There is a massacre happening in Lekki. Firing squads mass murdering young people in Nigeria. The world needs to engage #endSARS #LekkiMassacre

****
SELECTED TWEETS FROM THE TOP #2 TRENDING TWITTER HASHTAG IN THE UNITED STATES (around 8:07 PM ET Oct. 20, 2020)

https://twitter.com/search?q=Nigeria

1. Mrs. Petty

@NICKIMINAJ

25m [8:08 PM ET  Oct. 20, 2020

Standing with & praying for the brave young people of Nigeria who are on the front lines of this senseless violence. Your voice is being heard. 🇳🇬 #EndSARS

**
2. Chance The Rapper

@chancetherapper

37m [8:09 PM ET Oct. 20, 2020

There is a massacre happening in Lekki. Firing squads mass murdering young people in Nigeria. The world needs to engage #endSARS

**
3. Dr Craze

@crazeclown

31m

Please if u’re a NIGERIAN living anywhere in d world right now or you are affiliated to Nigeria in anyway please we need you right now! Let it trend world wide so the world can see! They control the media, Tv, thugs and are doing everything to shut us up! #EndSARS #LekkiMassacre

**
4. ʋиκσиғιиɛ∂

@unkonfined

42m [8:10 PM ET Oct 20, 2020]

Praying for Nigeria. This has to stop. #EndSARS #EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeraNOW

**
5. MEFeater Magazine

@mefeater

33m

Today authorities opened fire on a peaceful protest in Lagos. We are heartbroken at what’s happening in Nigeria, and what the citizens are going through. We are proud of the people of Nigeria for their strength and for fighting against injustice in their community. #EndSARS

**
6. Ja Rule

@jarule

35m

So sad what’s happening in Nigeria right now... our fight, our pain, our struggle is unGodly to bare... Crying faceFace with symbols over mouth#EndSARS

**
7. #OurFavEndSARSDoc Stethoscope [Flag of Nigeria, Flag of United Kingdom]

@DrOlufunmilayo

3m

Remember that this is the same month that Nigeria celebrates 60years of independence from colonial masters.

But young people are still not free.

We are in a new form of slavery.

And the slave owners this time are not white people- but people who look like us and talk like us.

**
8. Vanguard Newspapers

@vanguardngrnews

11m

"The African Bar Association is totally disappointed in the government of Nigeria who instead of wholly addressing the germane issues raised by the protesting youths chose to adopt Gestapo tactics..."

**
9. oluwalayomi #EndSARS

@queen_oluu

44m

in america, i can be killed for being black. in nigeria, i can be killed for merely existing. i don’t feel safe in the abroad or in my home country so what am i supposed to do?? [2 emoji of  Loudly crying face]

**
10. Barca Principal ⚽

@TheGeniusJaj

22m

We'll NEVER forget this day,

History will remember this day forever in Nigeria [drawing of Flag of Nigeria].

** 
11. Clemento Suarez

@clementoSuarez

44m

Where did we go wrong? Why are our leaders silent. We shall come out of this. We are in this together #Nigeria .

**
12. DeVon Franklin

@DeVonFranklin

16m

This is awful [emoji of Crying face] Like MLK said, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” 

Keeping all my brothers and sisters in Nigeria in my prayers Folded hands#EndSARS

** 
13. RI¢HARD

@Richard_Tweetts

21m [8:19 PM ET Oct. 20, 2020]

At this moment, I can feel the lyrics of

@stonebwoyb‘s ‘RUN GO’ song..

“Where we gonna run go after making our motherland a bitter place to live?”..

I’m very very sad for Nigeria!!! 

**
14. Oma Akatugba

@omaakatugba

27m

The Nigerian government is killing Nigerians because we are asking for better policing and sanity in the way the police in Nigeria treats ordinary Nigerians.

**
15. bar ifeanyi ejiofor

@EjioforBar

35m

MY HEART BLEEDS!

The killing of unarmed, and innocent protesters, particularly at the time they were wielding Nigeria National Flags is not only sacrilegious, but a direct desecration of Nigeria symbool of sovereignty. By implication, this country called Nigeria is gone and..1/3

**
16. bar ifeanyi ejiofor

@EjioforBar

35m

Replying to

@EjioforBar

,....and gone forever.

@Mbuhari

 and his Soldiers must CERTAINLY have a date in ICC to answer for this heinous crime against humanity. It must happen sooner than expected. We must press for this charge now, and not tommorow again....2/3

**
17. bar ifeanyi ejiofor

@EjioforBar

35m

Thankfully,  US senior diplomats have started asking questions. It will no longer be business as usual.

**
18, #EndSars

@kingofaccra

7m [8:24 PM ET Oct. 20, 2020]

Them no fit curfew the whole of Nigeria at once the movement will go on, #endsars

**

19, Isituah Nkem Paul

@paulonecube

45m

His last Words were peace and unity.His only crime was been Nigeria protester . Rest In Peace #EndSARS

**
20. Jessylaw

@Jessylaw5

15m

Replying to

@jack

Shooting at peaceful protesters singing Nigeria national anthem. [emojis 3 Loudly crying faces]

#EndSARS #BuhariMustGo

**
21. CHANOS

@excitebikee

28m

Black Lives Matter doesn’t only mean “American Black Lives Matter” btw. So if you really care about BLM, these people in Nigeria fighting for their lives should matter to you too

**
22. Jamaal Bowman

@JamaalBowmanNY

7m

US House candidate, NY-16

From the streets of New York [emojis Flag of United States Flag of Nigeria] : We are demanding a global end to police murder.

**
23. Premium Times

@PremiumTimesng

11m

#EndSARS: Outrage as Nigerian soldiers kill protesters in Lagos

**
24. Know Your Rights Camp

@yourrightscamp

2m

Activists in Nigeria protesting police terrorism through the #EndSARS movement are being met with military violence. We are sending solidarity to our siblings. Abolition is a global struggle. #AbolitionForThePeople

**
25. Erica Fk Abudu

@glitzy_cynthia

41m [8:36 PM ET Oct. 20, 2020]

Don’t let anyone tell you tweeting is not good enough. #EndSARS  and Nigeria are the top 2 trending topics in America. Let the world know! #prayforNigeria

 **
26. trans kurt hummel ミ☆

@mlmkvrt

8m [8:38 PM ET Oct. 20, 2020]

#EndSARS #EndPoliceBrutality #EndSARSImmediately people in nigeria are being killed by their own government & we need to be talking about it & doing everything we can. black lives matter all across the world & if you aren’t talking about it, why?

**
27. KingMathewCrown

@King_Mathew888

1m

ALL WE HAVE NOW IS THIS SAME SOCIAL MEDIA THEY TRIED TO CONTROL!! PLEASE KEEP THE TOPIC TRENDING SO THE WORLD CAN SEE WHATS GOING ON IN NIGERIA! [3 emojis of Broken heart] #EndSARS #LEKKIMASSACRE

**
28. SAMMY FORSON

@sammyforson

2m

What is happening in Nigeria is so sad [3 emoji of Broken heart] African leaders, The world is watching us.. #EndSARS

**
29. Jackie Appiah boyfriend

@dee_Monney_

11m

Ghana will always stand and support our neighbours

Long live Nigeria long live Africa

Retweet and like

#EndSARS

#EndBadGoveranceInNigeria

#LekkiMassacre

**
30. Dr Paul Enenche

@DrPaulEnenche

4m

Replying to

@DrPaulEnenche

P.S.  #EndSARS = End Injustice, terrorism, senseless killings, oppression, suppression, subjugation, poverty, hunger, nepotism, bigotry, tribalism, regionalism, religionism, and every form of prejudice that is currently the order of the day in this Country.

**
31. Cindymonel™

@cindy_blog

3m

Nigeria JAGAJAGA

Everything scattered scattered,

Poor man dey suffer suffer, posa posa,

Gun shot in the air.

Edriss AbdulKarim saw it coming [Broken heart emoji]  #LekkitollgateMassacre #EndSARS


**
32. Arise News247

@AriseNews247

3m [8:42 PM ET Oct. 20, 2020]

NEWSFLASH:

It's getting darker in Nigeria as the United States shuts Embassy in Lagos State over Nigeria government brutality against peaceful unarmed #EndSARS protesters and perceived insecurity that may follow.

****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.