Beyoncé, Rihanna And More Join Call To #EndSARS Amid Ongoing Protests In Nigeria
Beyoncé, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Chance the Rapper and more celebrities are lending their voices to speak out against the Nigerian government’s treatment of people amid ongoing protests in the country.
Taking to Instagram on October 20, the global superstar issued a statement on the matter.
“I am heartbroken to see the senseless brutality taking place in Nigeria. There has to be an end to SARS,” Beyonce stated. “We have been working on partnerships with youth organisations to support those protesting for change.”
She continued, “We are collaborating with coalitions to provide emergency healthcare, food and shelter. To our Nigerian sisters and brothers, we stand by you.”
Rihanna posted an image of a protestor holding a bloodied Nigerian flag to her Instagram Story, writing, “I can’t bear to see this torture and brutalisation that is continuing to affect nations across our planet. 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.”
She continued, “I’m so proud of your strength and not letting up on the fight for what’s right! #ENDSARS.”
Nicki Minaj said that she is “standing with & praying for the young people of Nigeria who are on the frontlines of this senseless violence. Your voice is being heard. #EndSARS.”
Over the past few weeks, people have taken to the streets in protest against police brutality after a video of a young man allegedly being killed by police surfaced online, according to the BBC, further fueling tensions over a police unit known as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The Nigerian government announced that the police unit was dissolved on October 11, but calls for police reform have continued.
Yesterday, numerous reports surfaced that people were shot at by police at a protest in the city of Lagos. The BBC reported that multiple eyewitnesses and human rights group Amnesty International attested that several people were killed and wounded when soldiers opened fire. The state governor of Lagos said about 25 people were injured but denied that were any fatalities, according to the BBC.Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage and Wizkid have continued to speak up and use their platforms to support the #EndSARS movement. Burna Boy tweeted out on Wednesday (October 21) that a protest will be taking place at the Nigeria High Commission in London.
Chance the Rapper, Meek Mill, Justine Skye and more have also come forward to lend their voice to the movement.
See their posts below
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