EndSARS

Due to the police brutality in Nigeria #EndSARS is becoming a popular topic on platforms such as Twitter. SARS is the Special-Anti Robbery Squad, a known police force built in 1992 to help deal with robbery, kidnapping, and firearms. Lately, though, their record of police brutality is expanding.

According to the Washington Post, On October 20th, Nigerian soldiers opened fire upon peaceful protesters in Lagos, a city with a population of around 20 million. Protesters said there was no warning.

The Washington Post also reported there have been 82 reports of abuse in the last 3 years that have consisted of beatings and hangings.

With this movement gaining popularity many celebrities like Drake, Joe Biden, and Rihanna have started spreading the word.

“My heart goes out to all those who have lost a loved one in the violence. The United States must stand with Nigerians who are peacefully demonstrating for police reform and seeking an end to corruption in their democracy,” said Democratic Nominee Joe Biden in a statement. “I encourage the government to engage in a good-faith dialogue with civil society to address these long-standing grievances and work together for a more just and inclusive Nigeria.” 

The Nigerian government came out and said that they would dismantle the police group. This announcement was followed by President Muhammadu Buhari’s promise to do so. Although, this is not the first time the government has said this. 

“The government disbanded SARS in 2017, in 2018 and in 2019,” said Omobolanle Adams, 25, a Nigerian graduate student at Boston University in an interview with New York Times. “We’re not buying it this time.”

People of all different backgrounds in Nigeria, as well as people across the world are spreading awareness to the EndSARS movement.