What you should know about #EndSARS protest that shook Nigeria

The EndSARS protest in Nigeria marked a significant moment in the country’s history, catalyzing a wave of activism and demanding meaningful change in the country’s governance and law enforcement.

The movement, which gained global attention, was a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring quest for justice and accountability.

The origins of the EndSARS movement can be traced back to the establishment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in 1992, a unit within the Nigerian Police Force created to combat armed robbery and other violent crimes.

Over the years, however, SARS became notorious for its alleged abuse of power, extrajudicial killings, extortion, and gross violations of human rights. Numerous reports of harassment, torture, and even murder at the hands of SARS officers emerged, leading to widespread public outrage and discontent.

The tipping point came in October 2020, when a video surfaced on social media showing the alleged killing of a young man by SARS officers. The video went viral, sparking a massive outcry across Nigeria and beyond.

Fed up with decades of police brutality and the systemic failures of the Nigerian government to address these issues, young Nigerians took to the streets, mobilizing under the hashtag #EndSARS to call for an end to police brutality and the disbandment of the SARS unit.

The protests, initially peaceful, rapidly gained momentum, with thousands of Nigerians, mainly youths, taking to the streets in major cities across the country. The demonstrators, equipped with placards, banners, and a shared determination for change, demanded not just the dissolution of SARS but also comprehensive police reform, an end to corruption, and an improvement in the overall governance of the country.

However, the peaceful nature of the protests was soon marred by violence and chaos. Reports emerged of security forces using excessive force against protesters, leading to tragic incidents and loss of lives.

The situation escalated, with reports of armed forces opening fire on peaceful protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, leading to an indelible scar in the hearts of Nigerians and the international community.

Despite the government’s announcement of the disbandment of SARS and promises of police reform, the protesters remained skeptical, citing past unfulfilled promises and a lack of concrete actions to address their grievances. Furthermore, the government’s attempts to suppress the protests and silence dissenting voices through arrests and intimidation only served to fuel the determination of the protesters.

The EndSARS movement highlighted not only the deep-rooted issues within the Nigerian law enforcement and governance but also the resilience and determination of the country’s youth in demanding a better future. The movement symbolized the growing frustration with systemic injustice and the urgent need for comprehensive structural reforms to build a more just and equitable society.

While the protests eventually subsided, the spirit of the movement continues to resonate, serving as a call to action for the Nigerian government to undertake meaningful reforms, prioritize the protection of human rights, and foster a more transparent and accountable system of governance.

The EndSARS movement will forever remain a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history, underscoring the power of unity, activism, and the unwavering quest for justice and equality.