(4 minutes read)
EndSARS is the latest unfortunate event to visit Nigeria, where economic vectors are showing sharp decline due to steady fall in oil prices exacerbated by the onslaught of Covid-19 pandemic.
Reports suggest that at least 12 people were killed when government forces fired at protesters during anti-police brutality demonstrations I different cities in Nigeria. International agencies like Amnesty International and various other organizations and individuals are condemning the atrocities perpetrated on the citizens on account of the violent movement in strongest words.
The protests now is two weeks old sparked when a video circulated showing a man being beaten, apparently by police officers from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, known as SARS. Upon the purported police brutality, which went viral, violence spread across the country.
President Muhammadu Buhari’s appeal to the country men to maintain calm and hold the protests in peace went unheard. People thronged to the street and in many places peaceful demonstrations soon became violent.
There were reports of gunfire across Nigeria’s largest city Lagos, where 14 million people reside. Demonstrations and gunfire were also reported from other Nigerian cities, including capital Abuja
There are many people who blame the government for letting loose the anarchy including Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka. He reported to have told that he had seen a lot of evidence and testimony from witnesses who said the government was responsible for the shootings. But the government sources maintain that they have exercised restrain while dealing with the protesters.
In the meantime, there have been attack on properties. Lagos Oriental Hotel, was attacked by the protesters. The hotel authorities y condemned attacks on its facilities during the violence. The property is situated in the Lekki area of Lagos.
The firm formally acknowledged there was an attack on its property by hoodlums who hijacked the peaceful protest. South Africa shut its embassy in Nigeria as a precautionary measure.
