#EndSARS: BET Shows Solidarity

BET (Black Entertainment Television), an American cable television has shown solidarity with the #EndSARS movement and protests. On their Twitter handle, the TV tweeted, “RIP to those who have lost their lives to the violence happening in Nigeria. We stand in solidarity with those fighting for justice. #EndSARS”

The #EndSARS protests sparked after a video surfaced on the internet showing men identified as members of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), shooting at a man in Ugheli, Delta State. SARS is a unit of the Nigeria Police Force established in the 90s. The protests which started off as an outrage at the brutality meted out on citizens by members of SARS and other police officers have been supported by celebrities and politicians around the globe including the United States former presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton and Rihanna, business mogul and artiste.

The protests in Nigeria came to a halt physically on October 20, when men in military uniform in a bid to disperse protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate shot into the crowd killing protesters. This act has been widely condemned and has given the protests credence having spread to countries like the United Kingdom, Finland, the USA and others.

SARS has been reportedly disbanded although most Nigerians are sceptical of the news as there had been such moves made by the government in the past with nothing done to address police brutality in the country.