The demonstration started last week after operatives of the recently-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) killed a young Nigerian in Delta state and also made away with his vehicle.

Before its dissolution on Sunday, October 11, 2020, SARS officers were infamous for extra-judicial killings and human rights violation.

Despite the dissolution of the police unit, the #ENDSARS protest has intensified across the country as it spreads to major cities and gathers momentum and support from Nigerians abroad.

Speaking on the youths’ protests, the VP in a series of tweets on Friday, October 16, 2020, apologised to the youths saying he understands their anger and frustration.

"Dear Nigerians, I know that many of you are angry, and understandably so. We could’ve moved faster and for this we are sorry," the vice president said.

The VP admitted that too many Nigerians have been brutalised by the police, who are paid to protect them.

On efforts to address the situation, Osinbajo said several meetings have been made with the leaders of the National Assembly, Police authorities and President Muhammadu Buhari.

He assured the youths that work is ongoing on some of the issues they’ve raised, adding that the 36 governors have been asked to set up judicial panels of inquiry to deliver justice to victims of police brutality in the country. 

The VP also promised to update and engage the youths on steps being taken to address the situation and the youths’ demands.