#EndSARS Equals Human Rights

My heart has been heavy with broken pieces. Last time I experienced similar feelings was when George Floyd was killed. Only now a hundred times worse. The horrendous situation in the most populated country of Africa made me to ponder seriously at nights: How can a civilized “democratic” nation massacre it’s own children? Their “crimes” were to demand better living conditions, wave the national flags and sing the national anthem.

Let’s rewind to October 1st when the independence wishes were circulating on social media. Some patriotism, frustration, tribalism, but I mainly saw prayers for a better Nigeria.

I have been praying for Nigeria since I set foot on the West African soil as an eight-year-old girl.  So far, no significant development in the basic human rights of Nigerians. Last time in Nigeria was a year ago.

For many decades the Nigerian government have not been able to meet the basic needs of the people such as: water, electricity, infrastructure and employment. “Middle class” Nigerians are doing everything for themselves. No water, they create a borehole. No stable electricity, they buy generators. No employment, they become entrepreneurs. Not to mention the “poor” that can’t afford these amenities by themselves. So why does the country need a government?

A week after independence, Nigerian youths came together from different backgrounds, tribes and beliefs to stand up against police brutality. This happened nationwide in a peaceful and strategic manner. The mass demonstrations across major cities in Nigeria were held in the first place to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). A police unit in Nigeria that discriminates, extorts, brutalizes mainly the youths based on their appearances or luxury possessions they own (cars, Iphones, watches, designers clothes).

As happy I was about the movement there, downhearted I was of the silence by the Nigerian communities and media here. Until I saw a post, the second week into the protests in a private Facebook group. An End SARS protest hosted by Nigerian youths in the Netherlands. I joined instantly.

In solidarity with the protests, we came together to demand the end of police brutality and killings in Nigeria at the Nigerian embassy, The Hague. We did this along side thousands of Nigerians all over the world! I was so proud of the movement. The little hope I had left for Nigeria was increasing. Does it mean that my prayers are finally being answered? We moved with one voice.

But, then on October 20th, soldiers opened fire on peaceful protesters at Lekki tollgate. My heart dropped. Those horrific images and videos of death bodies on social media hasn’t left my memory yet. These young people were slaughtered because they wanted better human conditions in the country they live. Whoever gave the bloody order will have to be held accountable.

The international media was silent during the #endsars movement. However it did trend for weeks on Twitter, shout out to Jack. The truth is that African tragedies caused by African people is not the sort of news the traditional media gives (much) attention to. Besides Nigeria’s crisis, Congo, Cameroon, South Sudan are experiencing calamities with an ongoing list of other African countries.

I wonder if Africa is only important when it has something to offer? Like its “hidden” resources and the (white savior) aid programs, I often see on the traditional media. Whatever pact these African decision makers made in exchange for innocent blood of its (young) people and its resources will unfold sooner than later, and backfire. It’s a matter of time!

Our generation is waking up. Nigerian youths have tasted the power of unity! Regardless of the differences in tribes, beliefs, ages and classes they worked hand-in-hand for 12 days together. Demanding for a brighter future not only for themselves, but generations to come. It is heartbreaking that the Nigerian government will go to any length to silence and oppress its people.

We that are living outside of the continent have a significant role to play. They can’t silence us. We can’t give up on our people. The time is now, not tomorrow. We can pray, but without action nothing is going to happen. Every Nigerian has the fundamental right to demand a better Nigeria through peaceful demonstrations. Whether we are within or outside the Nigerian borders, with every step, we are making change. It’s important that we don’t stop now too many lives have been lost. So we (continue to) move until justice is served and the average Nigerian in Nigeria feels safe to practice and enjoy its basic human rights!

I am curious about your views about human rights in Nigeria or Africa in general. Share your thoughts in the comment section.

Images from:

Lekki Tollgate – Unknown photographer/ endsars image of the Internet

Nigerian Independence wishes Instagram – post by Chidinwo

Landmark Beach in Lagos – Vivian

Endsars protest at the Nigerian Embassy, The Hague – Femoree

Remember their names – Unknown photographer / #endsars images of the Internet

End Bad Governance protest in Amsterdam – unknown photographer

End Bad Governance protest in Amsterdam – Chi

NOTE: last edited date is for the layout and typos/ grammar errors not the content of the post!