The increasingly popular protests which started by Nigerian youths have touched a nerve with Nigerians in diaspora, thereby instigating support from Nigerians and other supporters around the globe to speak against the alleged brutality and extrajudicial killings by operatives of the special anti-robbery squad (SARS).
As protests grip major Nigerian cities, some Nigerians in the diaspora are planning a rally in solidarity with the #EndSARS movement.
The movement which first began in 2017 erupted in fresh protests on Wednesday in cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Ughelli and Ibadan over the reported killing of a man by police Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) operatives on Saturday.
As the animosity towards the police unit continues to grow, protesters are demanding an end to the menace of police brutality and harassment of youth, calling for a total disbandment of the unit.
To this end, some Nigerians in the United Kingdom and Canada have expressed anger over the menace, vowing to march in solidarity with the movement to the Nigerian embassies situated in their countries of residence.
On Friday, the #EndSARS hashtag trended number one world-wide on Twitter, particularly in the UK and the United States—coming at a time when global outcry on police brutality continues to surge after the killing of African American, George Flyod.
A rally is scheduled for Sunday at the Nigeria High Commission in London, a former housemate of the BBNaija reality show, Mike Edward, made the announcement on Twitter.
“I want to lead the #EndSARS protest here in London, who will join me? Nigerians in the Diaspora let’s not be silent.”
Protests
Nigerian-British actor, John Boyega, who voiced his support for the campaign on Twitter, urged other Nigerians in the UK to join the movement.
“This situation is tied to many other issues. Please lend your attention to this pressing problem!” Mr Boyega tweeted.
Similarly, a Nigerian lecturer based in the UK, Dipo Awojide, who has consistently condemned violent actions of the SARS operatives also called Nigerian music stars in the country to join the demonstration.
“Odogwu @burnaboy and @wizkidayo, I hear you are in London – please join us on Sunday at 12PM. Nigeria Flag of Nigeria High Commission London. A PEACEFUL PROTEST!! YOUNG NIGERIANS need your VOICE #EndSARS #EndSarsProtests #EndPoliceBrutalityRaised fist RT until they see it & reply,” Mr Awojide said on Twitter.
Another Nigerian based in Canada, Jake Effoduh, announced the plan to lead such a movement in the country.
“I want to lead the #EndSARS protest here in Canada (Toronto), who cares to join me? Let our voices be heard everywhere,” Mr Effoduh said on Twitter.
Information from Premium Times was used in filing this report.