Nigeria: SCDDD Sends Message to EndSARS Protesters

By Development Diaries
October 22, 2020

Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development (SCDDD) has appealed to the #EndSARS protesters to give the Nigerian government time to fulfill its promise.

SCDDD appealed to the protesters to discontinue their demonstration in the wake of recent killing of protesters, police officers and destruction of properties.

Development Diaries understands that #EndSARS protesters were shot by soldiers in the Lekki area of Lagos State, southwest Nigeria, on 20 October.

At least seven people were killed and many others injured, according to witnesses.

The security operatives stormed Lekki hours after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu imposed a curfew in the state.

Before the curfew was imposed, armed thugs had attacked protesters and police operatives in Lagos.

Thugs were also reported to have taken advantage of the protest against police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Benin, Edo State, and Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.

Police accused people ‘posing’ as protesters of looting weapons, and torching police buildings.

‘The Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development is seriously concerned by the turn of events arising from the peaceful demonstration that started two weeks ago in Lagos and other areas protesting against the crimes alleged to have been committed by the Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS)’, SCDDD said in a statement.

‘We urge the demonstrators to please stop their action and give the government the chance to fulfill its promise. Insisting on continuing the protests is likely going to be counterproductive if it is taken over by hoodlums.

‘The government on its part should take all necessary lawful measures to protect innocent citizens and their property while at the same time, dialogue with the leadership of the protesters to earn their confidence and trust’.

Protests, with hashtag #EndSARS, were triggered by the alleged killing of a young man by operatives of SARS in Lagos on 03 October.

SARS, which was specifically set up to fight robbery and kidnapping, has long been accused of harassment, unlawful arrests, torture and killings.

The police unit has been dissolved but protesters are demanding a complete reform of the police force, and prosecution of erring police officers.