#ENDSARS

 This was not the comeback I anticipated, but I have to speak regardless—and I would make this quick.

I am not one to write when i am “too emotionally charged” but I guess I would be breaking that rule today. #EndSARS has been trending on varying platforms of the internet for at least a week now and this has finally transmuted to a long awaited physical protest. Despite all inhibitions and potential what-ifs, Nigerians have turned out en masse, taking to the streets to express our tiredness with the countless and unjustifiable cases of police brutality for over 3 years now.

I’m glad that even if just this once, Nigerians have come out, speaking in unison—physically and otherwise—against the unethical and irrational actions of a squad that ought to protect us. We are in agreement against the inhumane treatment received by numerous citizens over the years. Although  these horrid acts seem to be oftentimes targeted at a certain demographic, they traverse tribe, class and field of work. I am glad that we have realized the strength that lies in numbers, pulling our weights in whatever way we can. That we are willing to stand for something that has long affected us, doing away with the suffering and smiling MO just this once.

At this point, almost every Nigerian has had an encounter with SARS officials or knows someone that has. A squad that is meant to battle and deter robbers has now resorted to bold-faced harassment of citizens and unlawful detention and taxation of citizens without concrete evidence. I could go on and on, spelling out all the atrocious acts but then, it is hardly news.

Now that #endSARS trends, I hope that the squad doesn’t get disbanded for the 4th or 5th time in the space of 4 years only to resume activities (unchanged) when we calm down. I hope these hashtags fulfill their purpose without having to morph into something worse off. 

I hope that the ears and hands that ought to mete out justice, serve justice in the favor of the masses this time.

I hope that just this once, at the very least, Nigerians get what we are standing up and protesting for. That we get to feel safe once again in our country, neighbourhood and homes.

I hope that we no longer feel the need to move through the streets with fear stricken hearts as we seek to earn a living. 

But, a dozen questions still linger in my head as I write this. After we end SARS,what next? Would we be able to feel safe enough? What happens to the perpetrators that have been caught redhanded? Considering that a chunk of them are far too menacing to be reintegrated into the society, what next after SARS is put to an end?

Lending my words,

Even if I can’t be present.

#EndSARS