I know 2020 has been a long year but what's currently happening in Nigeria can't be ignored 🇳🇬 As an outsider it's been tricky to keep up but I've tried to research as best I can. I've focused on hashtags and related key events, and @segunfamisa kindly fact checked. Here goes...
#EndSARS (1/4)
A hashtag representing peaceful protests carried out mostly by Nigerian youths, calling for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit of @PoliceNG.
A hashtag representing peaceful protests carried out mostly by Nigerian youths, calling for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit of @PoliceNG.
#EndSARS (2/4)
Members of SARS have been involved in acts of police brutality such as kidnapping, murder, theft, rape, torture, unlawful arrests, humiliation, unlawful detention, extrajudicial killings, and extortion in Nigeria.
Members of SARS have been involved in acts of police brutality such as kidnapping, murder, theft, rape, torture, unlawful arrests, humiliation, unlawful detention, extrajudicial killings, and extortion in Nigeria.
#EndSARS (3/4)
These human rights abuses have been documented in numerous stories and trending videos on social media. Protests have largely taken place in Nigeria itself but there have been expat extensions in many major international cities.
These human rights abuses have been documented in numerous stories and trending videos on social media. Protests have largely taken place in Nigeria itself but there have been expat extensions in many major international cities.
#EndSARS (4/4)
Many celebrities, high profile politicians, and members of the tech community have backed the movement. Anonymous even hacked the Twitter account of @nbcgovng to show support.
Many celebrities, high profile politicians, and members of the tech community have backed the movement. Anonymous even hacked the Twitter account of @nbcgovng to show support.
#EndSWAT (1/3)
Following pressure from #EndSARS, @PoliceNG announced the setting up of a Special Weapon and Tactics Team (SWAT) to replace SARS.
Following pressure from #EndSARS, @PoliceNG announced the setting up of a Special Weapon and Tactics Team (SWAT) to replace SARS.
#EndSWAT (2/3)
While improvements such as “psychological and medical evaluation of members” were promised, protestors understandably lacked faith in their government and began using this hashtag to oppose this as well.
While improvements such as “psychological and medical evaluation of members” were promised, protestors understandably lacked faith in their government and began using this hashtag to oppose this as well.
#EndSWAT (3/3)
It’s also worth mentioning that SARS has allegedly been disbanded 3 times before but continued to operate despite this.
It’s also worth mentioning that SARS has allegedly been disbanded 3 times before but continued to operate despite this.
#LekkiMassacre #LekkiGenocide (1/4)
The most recent (and shocking) hashtags. Recently thousands of protesters held a candlelight session for the various victims of SARS/police killings at Lekki Toll Gate, part of a bridge that links major areas of Lagos.
The most recent (and shocking) hashtags. Recently thousands of protesters held a candlelight session for the various victims of SARS/police killings at Lekki Toll Gate, part of a bridge that links major areas of Lagos.
#LekkiMassacre #LekkiGenocide (2/4)
This was followed by a protest ban by @OfficialFCTA citing COVID-19 concerns. Escalations occurred, including attacks by thugs on protesters and police. A controversial 24hr curfew was imposed on the state of Lagos but protests continued.
This was followed by a protest ban by @OfficialFCTA citing COVID-19 concerns. Escalations occurred, including attacks by thugs on protesters and police. A controversial 24hr curfew was imposed on the state of Lagos but protests continued.
#LekkiMassacre #LekkiGenocide (3/4)
Pictures circulated of government-linked persons removing CCTV cameras around Lekki. @HQNigerianArmy arrived at the protest ground and open fired on peaceful and unarmed protesters. 20 people killed, at least another 50 injured.
Pictures circulated of government-linked persons removing CCTV cameras around Lekki. @HQNigerianArmy arrived at the protest ground and open fired on peaceful and unarmed protesters. 20 people killed, at least another 50 injured.
#LekkiMassacre #LekkiGenocide (4/4)
Army members were seen removing bodies to hide evidence. Army/@NigeriaGov have since claimed no personnel were present and that there were no casualties, despite numerous witnesses. Despite the hashtag this violence occurred in other areas.
Army members were seen removing bodies to hide evidence. Army/@NigeriaGov have since claimed no personnel were present and that there were no casualties, despite numerous witnesses. Despite the hashtag this violence occurred in other areas.
Strength and admiration to all Nigerian folks, local and abroad. I'm sure this must be an extremely difficult and draining time. The situation is still ongoing and I urge others to stay informed and reach out to those who may need support.
P.S. I've probably made some mistakes and/or am missing details. Please feel free to reply or DM me!
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