A growing list of celebrities have spoken in support of Nigeria's #EndSARS movement, in light of Nigeria's police brutality and corruption concerns.
Praying With Nigeria To End SARS now
UPDATE (21/10/20 - @1945): RIP Oke, a young Nigerian man killed allegedly by Nigerian security forces. Videos began to spread on social media platforms showing a young man laying motionless in a pool of blood, cradled in the hands of his distressed mother and family.
Oke, believed to be a bright young man with a future in product design, was one of many Nigerians opposing their country's leadership, primarily concerning police brutality; pertinent to SARS. His last few tweets highlighted his determination to bring about change.
"Nigeria will not end me," was Oke's very last tweet shared with the world. Due to the graphic nature of the images, Tanizzle has refrained from showing such depictions, however, with viewers discretion, they can be viewed here. From herein, the original article will continue to be read as initially written on October 21, 2020.
In what initially began as a peaceful protest on October 20th to campaign "against" Nigeria's Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit, a division now disbanded, resulted in reports of protesters being fired upon and killed at the Lekki toll gate.
The reports of violence, which have now substantiated issues concerning "police brutality," have been met with widespread condemnation. Among the general public, authoritative officials and celebrities, have spoken out in support of Nigeria's #EndSARS movement.
Figures reacting to west Africa's developments included WizKid, John Boyega, Anthony Joshua, Rihanna, and Beyoncé, to name a few. The musicians Wizkid and Rihanna, as well as catwalk supermodel, Naomi Campbell, shared similar distressful images of crying protesters holding a "blood-drenched" Nigerian flag.
In an Instagram story, Rihanna said: "I can't bear to see this torture and brutalisation that is continuing to affect nations across our planet."
She continued: "It is such a betrayal to the citizens, the very people put in place to protect are the ones we are most afraid of being murdered by. My heart is broken for Nigeria. It is unbearable to watch."
The modelling legend, Campbell, directly asked the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, to "stop the violence" against Nigeria's "leaders of the future." Along with the image of a bloodsoaked flag, Campbell said:
"President @muhammadubuhari, please stop the violence that is killing the Bright and promising future of Nigeria," she began.
"Our youths and young generation are our leaders of the future. Show the world who are watching... BE THE HEAD OF STATE THAT SETS AN EXAMPLE! #STOP POLICE BRUTALITY!! # STOP THE SPECIAL ANIT ROBBERY SQUAD #ENDSARSNOW," she concluded.
The multi-Grammy Award winning singer and mother of three, Beyoncé, said in her statement on Instagram: "I am heartbroken to see the senseless brutality taking place in Nigeria. There has to be an end to SARS.
"We have been working on partnerships with youth organisations to support those protesting for change. We are collaborating with coalitions to provide emergency healthcare, food, and shelter."
She added: "To our Nigerian sisters and brothers, we stand with you. Please visit beyonce.com for a list of organisations to show your support."
What Do You Think?
Let's not act as if "Black Lives Matter" only relates to the West. Unfortunately silent, some BLM supporters need to consider the heartaches of the motherland. In fact and for clarity, police brutality anywhere in the world should be criticised and eradicated; irrespective of race.
Let's #EndSARS and #PrayForNigeria together, as the irony of silence, from a few, is as loud as f*ck to us. Tanizzle XOX.
Join the conversation, as your opinion matters to us. Feel free to comment below or share this now by launching our share tools.
Want more of us? Join our fast growing communities when you like Tanizzle on Facebook, follow Tanizzle on Twitter and subscribe to the Tanizzle YouTube Channel.