As Nigeria marks the fourth anniversary of the historic Lekki Toll Gate peaceful protests, social commentator and author Saraf Ayo Adewale has released his new book, The Blood Stain Flag: The Untold Story of a Peaceful Protest and the Response of a Grievous Government.
The book, which explores the tragic events of October 20, 2020, was unveiled recently in Ikeja, Lagos.
It is structured into four sections: the peaceful protest and military intervention, the impartial panel, the defense of a state crime, and the controversial white paper, culminating in conclusions and recommendations.
Through a compilation of testimonies, reports, and detailed analyses, the publication provides a powerful critique of the government’s actions during the protests while preserving the memories of those affected.
At the launch, Adewale emphasised the importance of the events of October 20, stating, “That day marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history. Fearless citizens, armed solely with their voices and the national flag, faced a heavily armed military. The bloodshed that ensued was a flagrant violation of the right to peaceful protest.”
He recounted the scene at the Lekki Toll Gate, where peaceful demonstrators gathered, waving Nigerian flags and calling for reform.
“Soldiers, led by a lieutenant colonel, arrived and opened fire, resulting in tragic loss of life and leaving survivors with enduring injuries. This incident, now known as the Lekki Toll Gate massacre, remains a haunting chapter in Nigeria’s narrative,” he noted.
Adewale condemned the government’s ongoing denial of the massacre, despite the overwhelming evidence available, including videos and eyewitness testimonies. “Both the federal and Lagos state governments have sought to suppress the truth. Although they established a panel to investigate, the truth has been consistently undermined,” he asserted.
He clarified that his book aims to confront the government’s efforts to obscure the incident and honor the victims’ memories. “This work seeks to expose the government’s attempts to erase this tragedy from public consciousness, ensuring that those who lost their lives are never forgotten.”
The book strives to challenge the narratives perpetuated by the Nigerian establishment and document the reality faced by defenseless protesters on that fateful night.
“To reveal the facts presented by the Justice Okwobi Panel, which the government has chosen to ignore, and to shed light on the truth established in that report, which undeniably confirms the Lekki massacre of October 20, 2020.”
Reflecting on his inspiration, Adewale shared that he witnessed the tragedy firsthand. “I watched in disbelief as peaceful protesters sang the national anthem and called for justice, only to be met with gunfire,” he recounted. Originally motivated to pen a poem titled The Blood-Stained Flag, Adewale felt compelled to expand his project into a full-length book to better document the events.
The Blood Stain Flag also showcases findings from judicial panels, including forensic expert reports and eyewitness accounts that contradict government claims. Adewale noted that the Lagos state panel’s findings pointed to culpability on the part of both the military and police.
“Instead of owning up, the government discredited the report and has continually evaded accountability. But no amount of misinformation can bury the truth,” he declared.
He concluded with a call for justice and accountability, urging the Nigerian government to confront its role in the tragedy.
“October 20 should not only be remembered as a day of sorrow, but as a day of courage and sacrifice. This book is a tribute to those who stood for their rights, reminding us that their bravery will never be in vain.”
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