Frequently Asked Questions for the End SARS movement (FAQs)
Why are young people being targeted?
The youth are being targeted because they are the ones wearing expensive clothing. Also, officers believe the youth are more vulnerable than more established adults. But in truth, these are largely hard-working young people who have mostly had to fend for themselves without support from the state and are using their voices to fight against injustice.
When did these killings start?
The killings have actually been going on for a pretty long time. Although the SARS unit was created intending to help the population, their ability to hide in plain sight gave them leeways. They did not wear a uniform initially and could be among a group of people without being identified. In 1993, Ayotunde Adesola, a graduate in computer science from the University of Lagos, was picked off the street by SARS and accused of being in a local gang. In an attempt to make him confess, officers poured irritant powder on his face while beating him, the Lagos-based Civil Liberties Organization reported.
When will it end?
The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) will end once the protesters' voices are heard. Also, when they stop killing innocent teens for protesting against them and doing unreasonable searches on teens because of the way they are dressed. The Nigerian public is tired of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad unit as a whole. They are tired of empty promises. They no longer need or desire reform under the unit or the removal of “faulty” officers. They believe that the only way it will solve these injustices is when this unit is abolished as a whole. When the government truly takes action and stops trying to put a band-aid over a serious injury.
When will the government make a change?
Protests have dwindled in Lagos after the army allegedly shot dead at least a dozen peaceful protesters on Oct. 20, but have continued worldwide. Many protesters have heard similar promises before and remain skeptical. Over the past three decades, the Nigerian government has repeatedly vowed to reform the habits of a police force that observers say is mired in corruption and brutality, only for the problems to persist or exacerbate. Now, even with a global spotlight on the country, many are still doubtful that real change will be brought about. To sum it all up, I would say that the people are doubtful but hopeful.
What can citizens do to enact change?
Number one would be to stay informed. As with a lot of online movements, there is a lot of misinformation and misrepresentation of facts around the #EndSARS movement, so it is important to be accurately informed. Since the #EndSARS movement started online, the hashtags are a good place to start.
Number two would be to lend your voice to the movement. When the hashtag first went viral in 2017, the #EndSARS protest was sustained by organic action by thousands of young Nigerians on social media. It was a tool through which young Nigerians brought the attention of the world to the state of police brutality in Africa’s most populated nation.
Number three would be to donate funds. Lots of crowdfunding efforts have been put in place by young Nigerians to support protesters with food, health and legal services, security, and other assistance to protesters. Most notable of these fundraising efforts has been led by the Feminist Coalition, which has raised more than 70 million Naira (about $180,000) in a wide range of currencies, including bitcoin.
Number four would be to take action. If you are a member of the legal community in Nigeria or know of anybody who can get in contact with them. Find out who has the power in each branch of the country's legal system and motivate them to take action. This might seem impossible but it is something that we can solve if we work together.
The youth are being targeted because they are the ones wearing expensive clothing. Also, officers believe the youth are more vulnerable than more established adults. But in truth, these are largely hard-working young people who have mostly had to fend for themselves without support from the state and are using their voices to fight against injustice.
When did these killings start?
The killings have actually been going on for a pretty long time. Although the SARS unit was created intending to help the population, their ability to hide in plain sight gave them leeways. They did not wear a uniform initially and could be among a group of people without being identified. In 1993, Ayotunde Adesola, a graduate in computer science from the University of Lagos, was picked off the street by SARS and accused of being in a local gang. In an attempt to make him confess, officers poured irritant powder on his face while beating him, the Lagos-based Civil Liberties Organization reported.
When will it end?
The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) will end once the protesters' voices are heard. Also, when they stop killing innocent teens for protesting against them and doing unreasonable searches on teens because of the way they are dressed. The Nigerian public is tired of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad unit as a whole. They are tired of empty promises. They no longer need or desire reform under the unit or the removal of “faulty” officers. They believe that the only way it will solve these injustices is when this unit is abolished as a whole. When the government truly takes action and stops trying to put a band-aid over a serious injury.
When will the government make a change?
Protests have dwindled in Lagos after the army allegedly shot dead at least a dozen peaceful protesters on Oct. 20, but have continued worldwide. Many protesters have heard similar promises before and remain skeptical. Over the past three decades, the Nigerian government has repeatedly vowed to reform the habits of a police force that observers say is mired in corruption and brutality, only for the problems to persist or exacerbate. Now, even with a global spotlight on the country, many are still doubtful that real change will be brought about. To sum it all up, I would say that the people are doubtful but hopeful.
What can citizens do to enact change?
Number one would be to stay informed. As with a lot of online movements, there is a lot of misinformation and misrepresentation of facts around the #EndSARS movement, so it is important to be accurately informed. Since the #EndSARS movement started online, the hashtags are a good place to start.
Number two would be to lend your voice to the movement. When the hashtag first went viral in 2017, the #EndSARS protest was sustained by organic action by thousands of young Nigerians on social media. It was a tool through which young Nigerians brought the attention of the world to the state of police brutality in Africa’s most populated nation.
Number three would be to donate funds. Lots of crowdfunding efforts have been put in place by young Nigerians to support protesters with food, health and legal services, security, and other assistance to protesters. Most notable of these fundraising efforts has been led by the Feminist Coalition, which has raised more than 70 million Naira (about $180,000) in a wide range of currencies, including bitcoin.
Number four would be to take action. If you are a member of the legal community in Nigeria or know of anybody who can get in contact with them. Find out who has the power in each branch of the country's legal system and motivate them to take action. This might seem impossible but it is something that we can solve if we work together.