Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Endsars

#EndSARS Protest Becomes Bloody in Edo as Obaseki Imposes 24-hour Curfew

The ongoing #EndSARS movement has assumed a violent dimension in Edo State as people posing as protesters attacked facilities of Nigeria Police Force.

The protesters were accused of security facilities at Ugbekun Police Station, Oba Market Police Station and Idogbo Police Post in Benin, Edo State capital.

Describing the incident as unfortunate, Nigeria Police Force explained that the extent of damage could not be ascertained at the moment.

It, however, said report indicated that “the protesters carted away arms and ammunition from the armoury and freed the suspects in custody before setting some of the facilities ablaze.”

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#EndSARS : Police Fire Teargas At Protesters In Abuja

The bloody situation has led to an imposition of a 24-hour in the state by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.

By this government’s directive, schools and businesses are to shut down activities accordingly. Those who couldn’t move safely were asked to stay put till 4pm when calmness was eventually restored.

“Edo State Government hereby imposes a 24-hour curfew across the state till further notice.

“The curfew is to take effect from 4pm, October 19, 2020.

“This decision has become necessary because of the very disturbing incidents of vandalism and attacks on private individuals and institutions by hoodlums in the guise of #EndSARS protesters.

“While the government of Edo State respects the rights of its citizens to undertake legitimate protests, it cannot sit idly when hoodlums have taken laws into their hands to cause mayhem on innocent citizens and the state.

“By the directive, schools and businesses are to shut down activities accordingly. Those who cannot move safely are to stay put between now and 4pm till calmness is restored.

“Parents are advised to rein in their children, youths and wards, to forestall further breakdown of law and order.

“The responsibility of government is to protect lives and property and maintain law and order, therefore, anyone found outside in violation of the curfew would be dealt with according to the law,” Obaseki said, in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie.

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#EndSARS Protests: Lagos Government Shuts Schools

Also reacting to the ugly development in Edo State, Nigeria Police Force said it has swung into action, “doing everything possible at the moment to bring the situation under control, protect lives of innocent citizens and prevent further attacks on any other critical infrastructure in the state.”

The police called on parents/guardians to prevail on their children/wards to desist from acts of violence under any guise whatsoever.

Idowu Sowunmi

October 19, 2020
Again, Sanwo-Olu Begs #EndSARS Protesters, Says Let’s Leave the Road and Dialogue Accordingly

In his usual heart-led leadership qualities, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Monday again appealed to the youths demonstrating against police brutality in the state to leave the roads and embrace the dialogue for the resolution of their agitations.

Sanwo-Olu said his administration has shown sincerity and willingness to address all concerns raised by the protesters, given the actions taken so far, including the constitution of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry and setting up of compensation funds for the victims.

According to him, “We have shown unprecedented commitment to the complete overhaul of the Nigeria Police Force. The inauguration of Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry is only the first step in a long line of reformative actions that will lead to a thorough revamp and reorientation of the Nigeria Police.

“I believe that some of the actions we have taken should, to a large extent, show our sincerity and willingness to address all your concerns.

READ ALSO:

Edo Government Imposes 24-Hour Curfew

“Let me reiterate that I am on the side of the young people out there. I understand your pain and I know your concerns are genuine and legitimate. While we are able to immediately acquiesce to some of your demands, some others will require time. We ask you to bear with us as we dutifully work on your demands.

“I will, therefore, like to renew my appeal to you to suspend the protests and create an atmosphere for the resolution of all pending demands. I encourage everyone brutalised by the disbanded SARS, including the families of those who died, to present their case before this tribunal.”

Sanwo-Olu made the appeal during the swearing-in of members of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution at the State House in Marina.

The governor’s appeal came on the heel of violent dimension assumed by the #EndSARS protests in some parts of the dtate.

Reiterating his solidarity with the protesters’ demands, Sanwo-Olu urged the protesters to be part of the process of implementing the reforms they clamoured for in the police, adding that continuous blocking of roads, government and private offices would slow down the procedure of implementing their demands.

He admitted that the task of reforming the police was achievable, but required the input and cooperation of the youth to accomplish task.

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#EndSARS : Police Fire Teargas At Protesters In Abuja

He commended the cohesiveness of the “resilient” young people who stood their ground in the last two weeks. Their tenacity, Sanwo-Olu said, has made the much-desired change in the policing system become inevitable.

Speaking about the judicial panel, the Governor said he was convinced that its outcome and recommendations would open a new chapter in police-citizen relationship.

He promised that his administration would ensure that all wounds are healed, justice served to victims of abuse, and guilty police officers prosecuted.

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#EndSARS: Nigerian Army Clarifies Position on Exercise Crocodile Smile VI

At the time of the swearing in of the panel members, the representatives of the youth in the panel had not been nominated by the protesters.

The Sanwo-Olu administration had, last Friday, reached out to the protesters to forward the name of their nominees into the judicial panel. The protesters, however, pleaded for more time to send the names of their nominees, four days after the request.

Idowu Sowunmi

October 19, 2020
Edo Government Imposes 24-Hour Curfew

The Edo State Government has announced the imposition of a 24-hour curfew across the state with effect from 4:00 pm, October 19, 2020. till further notice.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie , announced the curfew, which he said is indefinite.

According to the SSG, the imposition of the curfew was due to the incidents of vandalism and attacks carried out by hoodlums who hijacked the #ENDSARS protests.

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#EndSARS : Police Fire Teargas At Protesters In Abuja

“This decision has become necessary because of the very disturbing incidents of vandalism and attacks on private individuals and institutions by hoodlums in the guise of the #ENDSARS protests.

“While the government of Edo State respects the rights of its citizens to undertake legitimate protests, it cannot sit idly when hoodlums have taken laws into their hands to cause mayhem on innocent citizens and the state,” Ogie said.

Following the imposed curfew, schools and businesses are to shutdown activities accordingly while those who cannot move safely are advised to stay put between now and 4:00pm till calmness is restored.

Suspected hoodlums had earlier on Monday morning hijacked the #EndSARS Protests in Benin City.

In a chat with Channels Television, the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media, Crusoe Osagie, disclosed that the hoodlums exchanged fire with security operatives at the Maximum prison in Benin City.

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Again, Sanwo-Olu Begs #EndSARS Protesters, Says Let’s Leave the Road and Dialogue Accordingly

“The hoodlums are currently exchanging fire with the security personnel at the Maximum security prison in Oko, Benin City,” Osagie told Channels Television.

The hoodlums can be seen in videos invading the Benin Medium security prison on Sapele Road, releasing some inmates.

Video:

October 19, 2020
#EndSARS : Police Fire Teargas At Protesters In Abuja

Police officers have fired teargas at #EndSARS protesters in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The #EndSARS protesters who have been on the streets for about two weeks now were intercepted by the security agents at the John Kennedy Street as they attempt to march through the back gate of the Presidential villa.

Reports stated that the police officers fired tear gas at the protesters in an attempt to deter them from advancing further.

#EndSARS Protesters in Abuja defy security agents to continue demonstration. Photo: Channels TV.

The protesters had gathered at Power House in Asokoro on Monday to continue to drive home their demands for a lasting solution to end police brutality and extra-judicial killings at once.

Earlier in the day, soldiers mounted checkpoints along the Mararaba/Nyanya road linking Nasarawa State to the nation’s capital, Abuja.

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#EndSARS: Lagos Swears-In 7-member Judicial Panel into SARS brutality

Channels TV reported that some passengers were forced to walk as some commercial vehicles stayed off the roads for fear of being stuck in traffic while the popular aya roundabout is occupied by officers of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC).

Similarly, in order to protect important national assets, police officers were stationed in front of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) headquarters with Armoured Personnel Carrier and water cannons.

October 19, 2020
#EndSARS: Lagos Swears-In 7-member Judicial Panel into SARS brutality

The 7-member Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution to probe accusations of brutality and human rights violations leveled against the now disbanded police tactical unit, Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) has been sworn-in on Monday at the State House, Marina, Lagos

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the swearing in of members of the panel said in the last two weeks, the state had witnessed the justified protests of youths against police brutality, saying that the pain of the young ones had been felt in various parts of the State and country as well as in the diaspora.

“They have spoken in one voice against the unbridled violation of their rights and lives by the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad. Through the #EndSARS protests, Nigerians from all walks of life have spoken loud and clear on the need for government at all levels to take immediate and concrete actions to secure the lives of innocent Nigerians, especially the youth – many of whom have suffered gross violation of their fundamental human rights.

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#EndSARS: Nigerian Army Clarifies Position on Exercise Crocodile Smile VI

“Some have even lost their lives under questionable circumstances. In one of my engagements with the protesters, they gave me a list of five immediate demands, which I personally presented to President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja last Tuesday.

“I must, however, state that even before my visit to Mr. President, I had taken action on some of their demands, which included the immediate release of all those detained on account of their participation in the #ENDSARS protests and the establishment of a N200 million fund for compensation to families and individuals who were victimized by officers of the disbanded SARS,” he said.

According to Sanwo-Olu, in response to one of the demands of the youths and in line with the resolution of the National Economic Council on October 15, 2020, under the Chairmanship of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Lagos State Government had constituted a Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution under the Chairmanship of a Retired Judge of the Lagos High Court, Justice Doris Okuwobi.

He said in Lagos State, the government fully understood the enormity of the task at hand and the need to ensure that it uphold the tenets of due process and fair hearing, which was why government had selected a seasoned and
unblemished Judge to head this Judicial Panel of Inquiry.

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#EndSARS: Governor Abiodun Set Up Judicial Panel, Human Righs Complaints Portal

“The Panel will sit for six months with the following terms of reference: Receive and investigate complaints of police brutality or related extra judicial killings in Lagos State and ensure that victims and their families are able to publicly air their grievances; evaluate evidence and draw conclusions on the validity of the complaints; determine and recommend compensation and other remedial measures where appropriate, and issue cheques in favour of victims
or their dependents; determine the officers responsible for the abuse of victims and recommend their prosecution.

“The panel is to make recommendations to the Lagos State Government on what must be done to ensure that the Police and all security agencies no longer abuse the rights of citizens. Recommend Standard Operating Procedures for the Police on relating with citizens while discharging its duties.

“By virtue of Section 5 of Tribunals of Inquiry Law, Laws of Lagos State, 2015, this Tribunal being set up today has powers to procure all such evidence, written or oral, and to examine all such persons as witnesses as the Tribunal may think necessary or desirable to procure or examine and summon any person in Nigeria to attend any meeting
of the Tribunal to give evidence or produce any document or other thing in the person’s possession,” he added.

The governor explained that the Tribunal had a mandate to carry out the directives of the Federal Government to enable it discharge its duties without fear or favour, advising members to be mindful that these complaints might be against Police Officers that are still in active service or already dismissed.

Furthermore, Sanwo-Olu stressed that members of the panel had the mandate to ensure that the rule of law prevailed. He said it is expected of the panel to use its powers to ensure that all necessary parties appeared before it to testify.

The governor reiterated the commitment of his government to implement the recommendations of the panel, expressing determination to ensure that the Police and other security agencies no longer brutalise or kill people.

“We will continue to play our part in the entrenchment of a just and secure society. I am on the side of the young people out there: I understand your pain and I know your concerns are genuine and legitimate. I must reiterate
that while we were able to immediately acquiesce to some of your demands, some others will require time: we ask you to bear with us as we dutifully work on your demands. I assure you that Lagos State will neither tolerate the violation of your fundamental human rights nor the victimization of its residents.

“I believe that some of the actions we have taken including the constitution of this Judicial Panel of Inquiry, should to a large extent, show our sincerity and willingness to address all your concerns. We are committed to the complete overhaul of the Nigerian Police; the inauguration of this judicial panel is only the first step in a long line of reformative actions that will lead to a thorough revamp and reorientation of the Nigerian Police.

“I will, therefore, like to renew my appeal to you to suspend the protests and create an atmosphere for the resolution of all pending demands. I encourage everyone brutalized by the disbanded SARS (including the families of those who died) to present their case before this Panel,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said the task of reforming the Nigerian Police was achievable, but noted that it required the cooperation of all Lagosians, including the youth to accomplish this, saying that “Through our collective actions, we will ensure that all wounds are healed, justice is served, and every guilty police officer is prosecuted.”

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Governor Sanwo-Olu Set to Inaugurate Judicial Panel to Investigate Police Brutality

The panel, which is headed by retired Justice Doris Okuwobi, will sit for six months and is mandated to thoroughly investigate all verifiable claims of abuses and fatalities arising from SARS engagement in the State, with the objective to bring erring officers to justice and get compensation for the victims.

Other members of the judicial panel include: 1 Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN – representing the Civil Society; Mr. Taiwo Lakanu – a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police; Ms. Patience Udoh – representing the Civil Society; Mr. Segun Awosanya – Human Rights Activist; Mrs Olutoyin Odusanya – Director, Lagos Citizens Mediation Centre; Two Representatives of the protesting youth and a Representative of the National Human Rights Commission.

October 19, 2020
IGP Wiggles Between Necessity for SWAT to Fill Voids and Meeting Protesters’ Demands

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has been wiggling between the demands by the protesters to discountenance the creation of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and the necessity for the immediate establishment of the new team to fill voids created by the dissolution of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), particularly during the Ember months traditionally characterised with upsurge in armed robbery and other violent crimes in the country.

But, protesters are not ready to back down as more cities and towns have been joining the #EndSARS movement.

Gov Sanwo-Olu Visits Widow of Man Shot Dead During #EndSARS Protest

Adamu has been seeking the cooperation of the citizens in the ongoing development drive for a new and reformed Nigeria Police Force.

He has constantly been appealing to them to be patient and to believe in the reform processes which are all directed at ensuring the security, safety and rights of all.

The police chief reaffirmed that the new Police Tactical Team would operate within very high professional and ethical standards, rule of law and dictates of best international policing practices.

[Videos] #EndSARS: Thugs Allegedly Sponsored, Attack Peaceful protesters in Abuja

Adamu explained that Nigeria Police Force is partnering with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other Development Partners for the training of the Tactical Team which commences October 19 at Police Mobile Force (PMF) Training School in Ila Oragun, Osun State and PMF Training School, Ende Hills in Nasarawa State.

He reiterated that no personnel of the defunct SARS would be a member the new Tactical Team, noting that “the officers selected for the training are young, smart and energetic officers who have acquired not less than seven years working experience with clean service records – no pending disciplinary matters, no record of violation of rights of citizens or misuse of firearms – and are physically fit to withstand the rigour of SWAT Training and Operations.”

According to him, “The selected officers shall be subjected to physical fitness test, medical and toxicology screening etc and those found to be unsuitable shall be discharged.

“ICRC, an independent International human rights and humanitarian support organisation with over 71 years experience in humanitarian services and institutional support and development, will provide resource persons and materials to handle the human rights components of the training programme.

Presidential Panel Recommends Dismissal of 37 Ex-SARS Officers, Prosecution of Others

“Specifically, they will handle topics touching on humanitarian laws, police conduct in conflict situation, human rights standard especially in the use of force and firearms, arrest and detention amongst others.

“Other areas of the training program will include modern-day police ethics and values, Intelligence-led policing, Operation planning/Tactical decision making processes, Hostage rescue tactics and operation, weapon handling, first aid/basic life saving skills, stress/fear management, police-citizens relations and emotional intelligence etc.

“The training modules will be handled by other carefully selected development partners, security experts as well as veterans from the civil society and human rights community.”

Buhari-led Government Approves 5for5 Demand of #EndSARS Protesters

Adamu, in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, charged the training coordinators to ensure a diligent and timely delivery of the Tactical Team.

October 18, 2020
Presidential Panel Recommends Dismissal of 37 Ex-SARS Officers, Prosecution of Others

No fewer than 37 police officers attached to the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) have been recommended for dismissal over allegations bordering on human rights violations.

From the data contained in the report of the Special Presidential Panel set up by the Federal Government in 2018 on reform of SARS, no fewer than 24 officers would face prosecution over various professional misconducts.

Youths across Nigeria troop to the streets protesting against Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), a notorious tactical squad of the Nigerian Police Force accused of impunity and gross human rights violations.

Disclosing this while submitting the report of the panel to the Police Service Commission, the Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, charged the commission to ensure speedy implementation of the findings.

Besides, the panel submitted that capable, professional and credible people must be selected into SWAT unit as part of efforts to bring reform into the police force.

“There must also be close supervision of the newly selected officers so that the nation will not experience the rot that became the fate of the disbanded unit.

“The panel also directed the Inspector General of Police to unravel the identity of 22 officers involved in the violation of the human rights of innocent citizens,” the report pointed out.

Idowu Sowunmi

October 17, 2020
Obiano Sacks Security Aide, James Nwafor, over Violations of Human Rights

The ongoing #EndSARS protest against police brutality has scored some points as Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, sacked a former Commanding Officer of the disbanded Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) in Awkuzu, James Nwafor (retired), who has been repeatedly mentioned in the media for his high-handedness against crime suspects and unspeakable violations of human rights.

Nwafor had retired from the service and picked up an appointment as an advisor to Obiano on security matters.

Addressing protesters in Awka on Thursday, Obiano announced the sack of Nwafor and assured the people of Anambra State that the sacked security aide and other officers who circumvented the law and indulged in human rights violations while in service in the state would be brought to book.

The governor also announced that a special panel headed by Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice had been set up to document human rights violations and abuses by the defunct SARS with a view to getting justice for victims and bringing closure to old injuries.

He also assured that he would personally visit all the facilities of the defunct SARS in the state and effect immediate release of suspects who are unlawfully held in the cells.

Obiano, in a statement by his Media Aide, James Eze, commended the protesters for conducting themselves peacefully so far and implored them to leave the Enugu-Onitsha Highway since their demands had been met.

Idowu Sowunmi

October 16, 2020
How Long?

By Dapo Akande

For how long will our country continue to put forward it’s worst XI instead of it’s 1st XI team? For how long will our leaders portray a country blessed with some of the most brilliant minds anywhere in the world as “no good doers” who know how to say all the right things but whose sincerity somehow always comes into question when it comes to execution?

For how long will mediocrity be celebrated in our nation, confounding the rest of the world who see the genius of our people in their countries everyday? For how long will Nigeria be presented to the world in awfully bad light causing us to bow our heads in shame and disbelief? For how long will our leaders continue to blot out the dazzling stars that we are? For how long shall we continue to ascribe the alarming rate of unnecessary deaths to acts of God?

The average life expectancy in Nigeria is a pitiable 53 years compared to 71 years in wartorn Syria. Ponder on that for a moment. For how long will we question why we even bothered to go to school if at the end of the day, we’ll be overlooked in favour of another, who knows next to nothing? For how long will our leaders continue to ignore the most obvious solutions to the myriad of problems bedevilling our society in favour of a glaringly hopeless alternative, leaving the hapless people to pray and fast for a miracle that will invariably never come?

Two plus two will always equal four no matter how hard you pray or how deep in the sand you bury your head. For how long will our children continue to ask “Why?”. “Why is the country like this?” “Why do things not work?” “Why will my country not support me to fly like the eagle that I am?” “Why are my ambitions being deliberately thwarted by officials whose job it is to ensure I succeed?” “Why can I not move from point A to point B without the fear of being accosted or brutalised by those who swore an oath to serve and protect me?”

“Why do I feel as if I’m being sidelined or worse still, victimized for my God given talent?” “Why should I have to grovel and beg for what should be mine by right?” “Why is it that everyone appears to be so religious yet it’s the evil ones who seem to thrive?” “Why is our generation still praying for the same things your generation has been praying for, for so long?”

“Daddy, for how long will we continue to deceive ourselves and hope for a better future when tomorrow never seems to come?” “Why…Why…Why?”

Folks of my generation have offered their children every explanation in the book, in a vain attempt to convince them all will still be well. We began by uttering them with confidence, albeit contrived. We then appealed to their faith in God.

Unsuccessful yet again, we resorted to reversed psychology by chiding them for their unbelief. Before we knew it, we found ourselves attempting to temper their fury by empathizing with their frustrations. It soon dawns on us that we have come full circle and things are yet to change.

Filled with questionably placed patriotism, we sold them a vision of a good tomorrow. The same ones our parents sold us in adolescence and which many of us, refusing to give up hope, continue to sell ourselves even now in maturity.

Taking a good look around, it all begins to sound hollow and hollower by the day. No longer totally convinced ourselves, it becomes an increasingly herculean task to convince the other. For how long shall we continue to excuse the inexcusable? How many more stories can we tell our children, in good conscience? I think you’ll agree that one of the things which make us human and distinguishes us from robots is our individuality.

This extends to our threshold also and that’s why some who find themselves out of excuses, having exhausted all they could think of, to the same questions over the years, simply throw their hands up in surrender. They give up altogether and before you know it, whisk their children out as they wave with undisguised lament, “so long” to their country. With a deep sigh of relief and yet as if to console themselves too, they say to no-one in particular, “at least I tried”. For how long will this be our story? I wish I could answer that.

One day our children scattered across the diaspora will hear of that distant land where because of poor leadership, the sun was said to have smitten the people by day and the moon in solidarity, did same by night. But our prayer is that the story they’ll hear then, will be very different to the one we tell today.

We hope by then we would have transmuted from a nation where possible is selfishly made impossible to a nation where impossible becomes possible. We hope by then, our people here in Nigeria will be supported, enabled and given the opportunity to equal and even best the achievement of their kinsmen in foreign lands. We hope by then we would have gotten our groove back and will proudly display our full ability as a great people for the whole world to acknowledge and admire.

We hope by then, we shall no longer be a source of disappointment to our expectant African brothers because of our penchant to under perform, much like a man dancing with two left feet. And I hope this rallying cry will touch the heart of all, so this dream will one day become our reality. To all the above, may I please hear a loud Amen!

*#ENDSARS*…what do they say about an idea whose time has come? *It’s unstoppable*!!!

Changing the nation…one child at a time.

Oladapo Akande is a Surrey University (UK) English graduate with a Masters in Professional Ethics. He’s an alumnus of the National Institute for Transformation and a two time author; The Last Flight and Shifting Anchors. He writes from Lagos.

October 16, 2020
[Videos] #EndSARS: Thugs Allegedly Sponsored, Attack Peaceful protesters in Abuja

As the peaceful #EndSARs protest continued in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital on Wednesday morning, demonstrators were ambushed in an attack by thugs alleged to have been sponsored by actors against the agitations by Nigerian youths, which has now transformed into a movement demanding a shift from the status quo to accountability in the nation’s leadership.

READ ALSO:

How #EndSARS Protest Violently Leads to Death of a Police Inspector Killed, One Bystander and Critically Injures Two Officers in Lagos

According to eyewitnesses, the thugs were seen with sticks, cutlasses, and daggers attacking the peaceful protesters and destroying their cars, The Guardian reported.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGUwJZjjQIe/?igshid=66w3dn26537l

“Someone had this(dagger) on his right hand with a cutlass, we had to run after him to remove the cutlass from his hand he almost struck one of our guys with this (dagger),” an eyewitness said on Tuesday.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGU27BCjbEK/?igshid=1pxq6o1g4u7g4

“This is an exhibit, I am going hand it over to the security.”

Nigerian youths took to the streets last week to protest against harrasement, extortion, extra-judicial killings and gross impunity perpetrated by men of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), especially the notoriously perceived Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), a tactical unit of the state security agency that has now been disbanded by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, last Sunday.

The protests have been holding in different parts of Nigeria with the demand for total reform of the nation’s police architecture.

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Police Storms Baby Factory in Cross Rivers, Rescues Pregnant Women, Children

Some of the crimes said to be committed by officers of the defunct SARS include execution of innocent citizens and suspects without trial, kidnapping for ransom, extortion and intimidation.

Despite pronouncements by President Muhammadu Buhari and IGP Adamu on disbanding the SARS squad and promise of reforms, Nigerian youths are adamant and not yielding until there are concrete and convincing steps that true reforms have statretd.

The mistrust is not far fetched as the Nigerian Government had in the past made empty promises on multiple occasions to reform SARS and make the squad more accountable.

Tobiloba Kolawole

October 14, 2020