In 2020, Nigeria witnessed a powerful uprising as thousands took to the streets under the #EndSARS banner, demanding an end to police brutality and justice for victims.
Three years later, we revisit the sentiments of the protesters to understand their thoughts on the current state of police operations in Nigeria.
1. Ikponmosa Ahonaruogo, a passionate Nigerian citizen
Ikponmosa, a fervent on ground #EndSARS protester, expressed her concerns, "The fight was never just about ending SARS, but also about ensuring accountability and justice prevail within the police force. While there have been fewer cases of brutality, the lack of transparent processes is disheartening. We need to see genuine efforts in police reform and a system that holds officers accountable for their actions."
2. Chijioke, a young citizen
Chijioke, a young citizen who participated in Ikeja protests, remains hopeful, "Change takes time. We can't expect a complete transformation overnight. I've noticed some improvements; there are officers engaging positively with the community. However, we must remain vigilant and continue pushing for systemic change."
3. Fatima Fatai
Fatima, who protested in Abuja, voiced her disappointment, "I feel betrayed. The government promised change, but it seems like they've swept the real issues under the rug. Incidents of brutality might be fewer, but the lack of justice for the ones that were grounded is glaring. I heard of compensations made to families but to the best of my memory they were too little."
4. Ahmed, a cautious observer
Ahmed, who observed the #EndSARS movement from the sidelines, shared a balanced view, "The reduction in reported cases of brutality is a positive sign, but it's not enough. We need to see a complete overhaul of the police system, including better training and stricter accountability measures. While progress has been made, there's still a long way to go."
5. Zara, a resilient survivor
Zara, a victim of police brutality who found the strength to speak out, stated, "I had a horrific encounter with the police in 2018. While I appreciate the reduced brutality cases, I am haunted by the lack of justice. My story is just one of many. We demand transparency, an unbiased legal process, and reparations for the victims. Our fight continues until justice prevails."
5. Basil Abia, a vocal advocate
Basil Abia, a prominent voice in the #EndSARS movement inn Abuja, emphasised the need for action. "Our fight to end police brutality and corruption in Nigeria continues. The current state of police operations in our country remains deeply troubling, with rampant corruption and a lack of accountability. The absence of body cameras to check extrajudicial killings and human rights violations by police officers is a severe concern. To honor the EndSARS memorial, we call for justice, transparency, and police reform."