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4 Things To Remember Before Keeping Silent About The #EndSARS Movement

Samuel Okoruwa

BET

  For the first time in a long time, Nigerians have come together to protest against the injustice meted out on Nigerian citizens by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). From Twitter hashtags to street demonstrations and constructive dialogues with top-ranking members of the police force, several Nigerians have shown their support for the #EndSARS movement.
Read more about #EndSARS
But what about you? Are you engaging in the movement? If you already are, good job. However, if you are not and have no plans to do so, here are some things worth considering.

No One Is Safe

If you’re a Nigerian citizen, the chances are high that you know one or two people who have faced some form of unwarranted harassment by SARS. Perhaps you yourself may have had an unpleasant experience with SARS. There was a time when such encounters were minimal. These days, however, they’ve become too rampant to not raise questions such as “who is next?” “can I feel safe when I’m on the road?”, or “how do I protect myself in case I get stopped by SARS?” Such questions have become a major part of the daily discourse across social media platforms. Realising that you and your loved ones are not guaranteed safety from police brutality whenever you go out should spur you to lend your voice to the #EndSARS movement.

Not All Victims Of Police Brutality Are Criminals

Every country should have a body responsible for prosecuting people involved in armed robbery, kidnapping, internet fraud, and other crimes. In Nigeria, SARS is a body under the police force assigned with this duty. For a long time, however, SARS has completely deviated from its line of duty and has been making the news for the wrong reasons – torture, maiming, kidnap, killing, and extortion of innocent citizens. Don’t take my word for it! A simple google search on the following victims’ police brutality is all you need. This is by no means an exhaustive list, as more people have allegedly lost their lives before and during the ongoing protests against police brutality.
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You Don’t Have To Be On The Streets To Lend Your Voice

While going out to protest on the streets is a great way to get your voice heard and show solidarity, it’s not the only way. Thanks to social media and the internet, you can voice your opinions about the movement and promote it using the hashtag #EndSARS.

You Should Express Yourself If You Have A Different Approach In Mind

Do you have a different opinion on how Nigerians can go about the movement? Or do you have suggestions on the next line of action Nigerians can take in putting an end to police brutality? If so, share it.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
Remember, social media is a good starting point. Whatever you do, do not be silent. Featured Image Source: BET
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