As Nigeria commemorate the fourth anniversary of the famous Lekki Toll Gate peaceful protest, a social commentator and author, Saraf Ayo Adewale has launched his new book, The Blood Stain Flag: The Untold Story of a Peaceful Protest and the Response of a Grievous Government.
The book, which delves into the tragic events of October 20, 2020, was unveiled recently, in Ikeja, Lagos. It is divided into four sections which are the peaceful protest and the military meddling, the impartial panel, defending a state crime and the illegal white paper and the final session contains conclusions and recommendations.
The publication compiles testimonies, reports, and in-depth analyses of the Lekki Toll Gate massacre, offering a compelling argument against the government’s actions during the protest. It aims to preserve the memories of those who were impacted while challenging the official narratives.
During the book launch, Adewale reflected on the significance of the event, stating, “The events of October 20, 2020, marked a turning point in Nigeria’s history. Brave Nigerians, armed only with their voices and the national flag, faced a heavily armed military. The bloodshed that night was a blatant violation of the right to peaceful protest.”
Adewale revisited the incident, recounting how peaceful protesters had gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate, waving Nigerian flags and chanting for reform. “Soldiers, led by a lieutenant colonel, arrived and opened fire, leading to significant loss of life and leaving survivors with lasting injuries. This tragedy, now referred to as the Lekki Toll Gate massacre, remains a dark chapter in Nigeria’s history,” he remarked.
Adewale criticized the government’s continued denial of the massacre despite abundant evidence, including videos, testimonies, and investigative reports. “The federal and Lagos state governments have repeatedly tried to suppress the truth. They set up a panel to investigate, but the truth has been consistently undermined,” he said.
He explained that his book seeks to confront the official cover-up and keep the memories of the victims alive. “This book aims to expose the government’s attempts to erase the incident from public memory, ensuring that those who lost their lives are never forgotten.”
It was written to expose the lie in the Nigerian ivory tower and to show to the world what happened to the defenseless protesters at Lekki toll gate when the military invaded them on October 20, 2020.
“To reveal to the world facts about the unbiased Justice Okwobi Panel that the government denied and to expose the truth revealed in that report, which indisputably established the reality of the Lekki massacre of October 20, 2020.
Reflecting on his inspiration to write the book, Adewale recalled witnessing 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 shared. Originally inspired to write a poem titled The Blood-Stained Flag, Adewale said the project expanded into a full-length book after feeling compelled to further document the event.
The Blood Stain Flag also highlights the findings of judicial panels, including reports from forensic experts and eyewitnesses that contradict the government’s claims. According to Adewale, the Lagos state panel’s findings indicted both the military and police. “Instead of accepting responsibility, the government discredited the report and has continuously avoided accountability. But no amount of misinformation can bury the truth,” Adewale asserted.
He concluded with a call for justice and accountability, urging the Nigerian government to acknowledge its role in the tragedy. “October 20 should not just 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, and a reminder that their bravery will never be in vain.”
