SARS (Special-Anti-Robbery Squad) Protest in Nigeria

Our attention has been drawn to current developments in Nigeria which evolved organically by Nigerian youths protesting against the Special-Anti-Robbery Squad in Nigeria. SARS is a special unit formed to combat armed robberies but has since morphed into harassing, torture, extortion, extra-judicial killings, intimidation, false accusations, framing young men and women of being criminals, kidnappings and other uncountable atrocities.

We call on Nigerian Government, all forces, organs or enforcement agencies of Nigeria trying to bring the protest under control to use every restraint and to deploy extreme caution to respect the rights of peaceful protesters  to encourage and extend basic human rights to all even in times like these in Nigeria.

Equally it is easily understood that Nigerian youths are venting bottled dissatisfaction with their representative government over many years of insecurity, lopsided access to progress and opportunity that favors but a few while majorities languish in poverty and hopelessness made stronger by corruption that had permeated and flourished among the political class, judiciary, legislative and all government organs of Nigeria.

As we recognize that Nigeria is a beautiful country wealthy with educated youths, productive population, and abundant natural resources, we call on the government of His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari to expeditiously pay attention and address, as a matter of urgency, these concerns unspoken by the masses but now loudly expressed in protest by the youths as to institute corrective policies that would lead to the transformation of Nigeria in shortest possible time.

We extend goodwill and support of the International community to the protesters in Nigeria while closely watching and following these developments.

Thank you