The call is not only coming from Nigeria youths and Entertainment stars, the Nigerian football stars are also lending their voice in the protest.
Nigerian players Alex Iwobi, Ahmed Musa, Leon Balogun, John Ogu, Asisat Oshoala, former goalkeeper Carl Ikeme have joined youths in the country in calling for an end to police brutality.
Nigerian youths took to the streets in large numbers on Friday to protest against the activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit in the Nigeria Police Force.
Unlike other security outfits, SARS officials do not wear the usual police uniforms but they reportedly harass the public while discharging their duties across Nigeria.
After several injustices which include extortion and killings, youths are demanding a total ban of their operation, after previous efforts by the government to reform and reorganise the unit.
Earlier this year, a Remo Stars defender Tiyamiyu Kazeem was killed by a SARS officer after an encounter in Ogun State, the South Western region of Nigeria.
Ahmed Musa wrote: “In a world where genuine love for ourselves seems to be so scarce, I sincerely pray that the right thing is done to put an end to the strife. #EndNorthBanditry #EndPoliceBrutality.”
Everton forward, Alex Iwobi, wrote: “Protect Lives, Not Take Them Away ✊🏽
#EndSARS #EndPoliceBrutality.”
William Troost-Ekong wrote: “We stand together! 🇳🇬
Although they are not part of Gernot Rohr’s team for Yesterday’s international friendly game against Algeria in Austria, Balogun and Ogu have joined their voices in saying ‘enough is enough’ to the activities of the operatives.
“The reasons for the #EndSARSProtests have just come to my attention via very disturbing images & tweets. It is never good when those charged with protecting the citizens are now terrorising, extorting, or even killing the same citizens. I support #EndSarsProtests #EndSars,” Balogun tweeted.
Asisat Oshoola wrote:Ending SARS is part of reformation na …..why this thing come hard like this na
Meanwhile, France youth international and Chelsea’s Malang Sarr, who is on a season-long loan at Porto, has pledged his solidarity with Nigerians and called for an end to the police brutality.
“I feel so touched by what is going on in Nigeria now. You have my full support! We all need to come together & make sure this ends now. Peace first before anything,” Sarr wrote.
