Indifference Is As Bad As Injustice
Over the past week, demonstrations against police brutality have swept Nigeria, intensifying demands for reform and accountability.
Jimoh,Isiaq, Ayomide Taiwo, Peter Ofurum, Anita Akapson, Joy Ndubueze, Chinedu Meniru, Kolade Johnson, Emmanual Egbo…
These human beings lost their lives for no reason other than their outward appearances. They follow countless before them. The Special Anti-Robbery Squad Division (SARS) of the Nigerian Police has unleashed terror in Nigeria for many years. Atrocities ranging from petty bribery, rape to cold murder.
This is not a new phenomenon. It’s only now, thanks to camera phones and social media, that the horrors faced by Nigerians can be exposed
It has to stop!
It’s time for you to step up and show your solidarity and support. You need to listen. You need to learn. You need to act. We shouldn’t have to fight this battle alone. This is a movement that needs all of us. This is a movement that needs numbers. This is a movement for humanity. Being silent right now means being complicit in the murder of youths in Nigeria. If you call yourself an ally, friend, or even just a human being, recognize the power your voice has, listen, and AMPLIFY!
If you want to help but are not sure how here’s a good jumping-off point. I have compiled a list of resources we can all use to become better allies to the #EndSars Movement:
IF YOU CAN, DONATE
A lot of groups are doing impressive work in galvanizing the public to take action on issues of race. Here are just a few:
Feminist Coalition https://feministcoalition2020.com/- was created to champion equality for women in Nigerian society with a core focus on education, financial freedom and representation in public office.
READ, LISTEN AND LEARN
It is not up to me your Nigerian friend to educate you, there are plenty of resources to get learning, here are a few of my favorites
FemmeMag : https://femmemag.org
Stears business: https://www.stearsng.com/
TheNativemag: https://thenativemag.com/
The Republic: https://republic.com.ng/
AMPLIFY USE YOUR VOICE:
If these protests have taught me anything is that we all have the power to shine a light and use whatever we can to share this message! Share on your socials, use your knowledge, learn, and educate!
#SARSMUSTENDNOW #SarsMustGoNow #SARSMUSTEND
#BuhariHasBeenABadBoy ##EndSWAT #EndPoliceBrutality
TAKE CARE
Right now, Nigerian youths are being killed. Seeing the state of affairs lately will, understandably, take a mental toll. Check in with your friends. Make sure they are doing OK. Be a shoulder to lean on and a ear to listen.
Be careful when sharing images and videos. Seeing visuals of violence can be triggering. Take care to be sure you are helping, not hurting.
By taking the time to read up on resources and educate yourself, you are already taking care to be a beneficial, thoughtful ally. Go you! Now, take action.
