In Nigeria, singing stars like Wizkid are visiting the debate on police violence as authorities announce reform of the special federal police unit tasked with fighting robberies and armed robberies.
as reported from Lagos
The special anti-robber brigade – SARS – is regularly questioned by the population and human rights defenders for its abuses. Over the weekend, the police chief stated that the officers in this team could no longer perform identity checks or road checks.
But social networks continue to ignite in Nigeria and require direct dismantling of this special unit with controversial methods. Videos and testimonies are published condemning the abuse of its officers.
Wizkid challenges the Nigerian president
But ordinary citizens are not the only ones protesting online. Many Nigerian singing stars have also called the authorities to account. Starting with Wizkid, the afropop superstar who challenged President Muhammadu Buhari on twitter. “Old man! The police continue to kill young Nigerians every day,” he wrote on his official account. “Do something!”
Donald Trump is not your business! Old man! Politi / Sarz still kills Nigerian youth every day! Do something! Nothing concerns America! Face your country !! https://t.co/thxmoYb7VE
Wizkid (@wizkidayo) October 4, 2020
The hashtag #Endsars were then quickly picked up by other Nigerian celebrities who sometimes shared their own experiences with the men in the anti-robbery team. Singer Naira Marley even called for a protest this Tuesday in Lagos.
While the governor of megalopolis promises “appropriate and prompt action” to ensure the safety of citizens from the police, some Nigerian editorial writers recall that previous attempts to reform the special unit have never been successful.
