By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
The #EndSars agitation has been reignited following the killing of a young man simply identified as Sleek allegedly by operatives of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS).
Only last week, a protest erupted in Osogbo, the Osun State capital when operatives of SARS allegedly chased three young men in a car pursuit to their death.
The young men, alleged to be internet fraudsters, rammed into an electric pole while trying to beat the SARS chase. Their death caused a swift protest in the state. It took a strong appeal of the state governor, Gboyega Oyetola, to calm the protesters who besieged the government house on September 21.
The manner the Port Harcourt young man was also allegedly killed by SARS operatives bears some semblance with the Osogbo incident. According internet chatter monitored by TheNiche, Sleek, as the deceased was identified, along with his friend, Reuben, where accosted by SARS operatives. They ran away to evade a possible harassment, and that got shot in the process. Sleek died. His friend is said to be receiving treatment from the gunshot wound.
Amnesty Nigeria, said it was time for the #EndSars: Tweeting via its handle, @AmnestyNigeria, it said: “SARS; having dreadlocks is not a crime. SARS; having tattoos is not a crime. SARS; driving a ‘flashy’ is not a crime. SARS; having a laptop is not a crime. SARS; being tech savvy is not a crime.
SARS; using smartphone is not a crime.
#EndSARS #EndSARS #EndSARS”
Another twitter post by @Alcheemist_ said: “SARS brutality has become a day to day meal to the poor masses of this country and the government is doing nothing about it. They have destroyed many families by taken away their loved ones for no reason and nothing is done. I think it’s right time the government #EndSARS.”
@Capt_Keys said: “The bitter truth is that SARS has killed more Nigerian youths than armed robbers. A good looking Nigeria youth dressed well is scared of his life while moving around. What a time to be a Nigerian, too bad! #EndSARS,” he said.
@BiyiThePlug also said: “SARS is a menace to the society. SARS has brought tears to many households in Nigeria. As a young guy, there’s this fear that grips you for a second anytime you encounter this set of cruel people in uniform. This has to stop !! #EndSARS.”
