If there is one lesson we can take from history, it’s how fickle patience is when a people begin to feel disdain. This single influence has been a reoccurring trend in humanities history books, and it has been the driving force behind a successful reform.
Since the #EndSARS protests began on October 8, protesters have had to reaffirm just how committed they are to this cause. Largely, nothing so far suggests that people are ready to back down, in fact, with each passing day, the protests all across the country only seem to see more numbers.
Benin is Something else oh. pic.twitter.com/pKXQSoDnGZ
— Pastor Ola ✨ (@Biisi96) October 19, 2020
How it is going on Sapela Road , Benin #EndSARS protest. pic.twitter.com/e6Ue1IiCvK
— Naija wants to #EndSARS (@Naija_PR) October 19, 2020
However, the #EndSARS protests have become a justification for thugs to act with impunity, using the protest as cover to constitute a nuisance, vandalising public properties and harass women.
Things are going wild in Benin…Thugs have hijacked the peaceful protest! #EndSARS pic.twitter.com/1tVJAEkT8G
— Unwanted Friend ? (@holardamolar) October 19, 2020
There are even disturbing reports of prisoners escaping.
FLASH: Jailbreak on Sapele Road in Benin City, most prisoners have escaped. More details later!
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) October 19, 2020
Whatever the origin of this disturbance is, the core #EndSARS protesters have rejected this new development, and have stated that these thugs are not a part of the movement. Simply put, their actions don’t stand for the intended purpose of the protest. Unnecessary violence is one of the actual enemies in the #EndSARS movement, not a tool to drive their point across.
If thugs in Benin have hijacked the protests & are now robbing & raping, I'm in total support of the Government sending in security forces to show them a little pepper…
They are now criminals & should be treated as such. #EndSARS
— UG (@UgwunnaEjikem) October 19, 2020
Hoodlums have basically hijacked the Benin protest.
My parents were out today and a few stopped them and demanded for money because "they've graduated for 4 years and no job and my dad is driving a nice car".
Isn't that the same police behaviour we're fighting against? #EndSARS— Olere O. (@Olodora) October 19, 2020
It is also important to note that the government has warned against these sort of demonstrations, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed yesterday, stated;
“Peaceful protest is an integral part of democracy and that is why the Federal Government in the last 11 days has treated the protesters in a very civilised manner.
But, if you look at what happened to the governor of Osun, it has gone completely beyond peaceful protest against excesses and abuse of power by the police.
“There is nowhere in the world where a government will fold its arms and allow the country to descend into anarchy.
“We are no longer dealing with #EndSARS but a volatile situation that can lead to anarchy if the government does not take some very firm steps to protect the lives and livelihood of innocent Nigerians.”
It’s quite depressing that this sort of savagery was always inevitable. A lot of people knew that it’s only a matter of time before it happens, what was uncertain was when it would begin.
For Chinedu Okafor, its all about making an impact with words, creating a profound impression on the audience with the intended narrative.
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