Sometime in 2020, we all know how crazy things were most especially because of the pandemic. There was a worldwide lockdown and we couldn’t go out to meet our loved ones but I’m glad that COVID didn’t last long in Nigeria but instead of we Nigerians to face our lives after the lockdown, the youths went on with a protest and that seem like the greatest protest Nigerians have ever had in our entire lives.
The protest was themed “End SARS”. Then, most youths who had some kind of looks where harassed by some sets of police called SARS. SARS is supposed to be known as Special Anti-Robbery Squad and their main purpose is to deal with any robbery case but unfortunately, they failed to do their jobs and started harassing the youths. Once they see any guy who’s having dreadlocks, made his hair, tinted it or even dressing very nice, they’d arrest the person. Not just arrest but best life out of the person and collect all the money he has. They are supposed to be against robbery but they are the ones engaging in it and that’s really sad.
Unfortunately, a protest broke out because of this issue and a lot of Nigerian youths went out to protest against what was happening in the country. The protest lasted for so many days but at first, it was a peaceful one until the police started harassing the youths at the protests venue and shooting at them. The killings were so much so my parents called me from home and begged me not to go for the protest. I didn’t mean to go until I saw how a guy was killed and I got so angry. I dressed up in a full gym kit and acted like I wanted to beat all the police up. I went from Akoka to Alausa at the front of the Lagos State Governor’s office to protest. The governor came out to address the issue and we all began to sing a common song by Davido “Fem” for him which means he should keep shut. The man felt embarrassed and went inside.
We now took to the main road and began to shout end sars, end that sars now, soro soke werey and some other slangs like that…
Suddenly, some touts came from nowhere and started to harass us. The beatings, teargas and some other attacks were too much but I’m glad I was able to run away. Unfortunately, some people lost their lives due to that but I’m glad I didn’t. It was so funny how I had the mindset of facing whatever happens but at the end of the day, I ran for my dear life. It was so risky because I could have just lost my precious life and since then, I don’t think I’d ever want to engage in any Nigerian protest again. My parents were shocked when I told them and they felt so disappointed after telling me not to go but I’m glad nothing happened.
This is one of the close to death experiences that I have ever had but I’m glad I didn’t lost my life for the sake of Nigeria. RIP to all of those who lost their lives in the 2020 End SARS protest. They are heroes and would be remembered for life.