It is quite surprising that a few Nigerians have tagged the #EndSARS protest a means to seek social validation by many who have come out for the street march. The heat of the protest started earlier in the week with many Nigerians sharing personal experience of how the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) has caused more damage than good.
Beyond the social media hashtag, Nigerians took to various locations demanding that the unit which has wrecked havoc on the country’s young population be scrapped – celebrities, brands, and the media lent their voices in the protest and their actions come with pointing out all the reasons why this unit needs to be scrapped.
Dear Yahoo boys,
I hope you know the campaign to END SARS is not for you.
I hope you know the blood of the innocent persons killed by these SARS people are on your hands too because you're the ones who got us here in the first place.#EndSARS pic.twitter.com/lSmTSQ6BVC— Ogunsina Oluwaseun Micheal (@BroMike1209) October 9, 2020
For the most, parents have had to bury their loved ones over incidents that arose from police operatives ‘accidentally’ discharging bullets from their firearms. They call it accidental discharge, but Nigerians are tired of their lives being accidentally taken away from them.
On social media this Saturday, Nigerians are also remembering those who have been killed by FSARS operatives and the police at large.
Tiamiyu Kazeem: Nigerian footballer Tiamiyu Kazeem died after he was allegedly pushed out of a vehicle by the men of the Federal (FSARS) unit of the police.
Ifeoma Abugu: Ifeoma was arrested by the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) on September 10th when operatives stormed the residence of her fiancé. She was allegedly raped and murdered in their custody.
A thread of people that’s been allegedly killed by SARS & police in general. In no particular order.
1. TIYAMIU KAZEEM
He was a footballer that was pushed out of a moving SARS vehicle.
2. IFEOMA ABUGU
She was raped and murdered while in detention.
— Feyi 🧮 (@justfeyi) October 9, 2020
Tina Ezekwe: Tina was a victim of an accidental discharge of a firearm. The bullet hit her while she was standing close to the location where police were having an altercation with another civilian.
Ayomide Taiwo: Ayomide’s crime was that he refused to give a N50 bribe. He was brutalised with the butt of a gun and finally died a day later. The police officer, Ago Egharevba, was reportedly dismissed afterwards.
There’s still a massive number of people whose names never made it to the news.
A massive number of people currently in police custody & their family don’t even know.
Let’s not even talk about those that have been beaten & injured just for existing.#EndSARS #PoliceBrutality
— Feyi 🧮 (@justfeyi) October 9, 2020
The list goes on and on. For those questioning this revolution, the deeds of FSARS are not hidden. They are right before our eyes and it is very appropriate that many Nigerians are speaking and acting against it now. Even if it is for clout, change is on the way!
