FOLLOWING the alleged highhandedness, brutality and extrajudicial execution perpetrated by the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), thousands of Nigerians led by a Coalition will, on Monday, stage a peaceful protest in several cities across Nigeria to call for the immediate dissolution of SARS as a Police unit. The locations where the protests would hold nationwide include Abuja at Unity Fountain; Lagos- Gani-Fawehinmi Park, Ojota; Warri- Enerhen junction; Jos – Polo Terminus; Port Harcourt – Garrison junction; Kaduna- Muritala Square; as well as in Ibadan holding at Mokola junction and Awka- Alex Ekwueme junction, Anambra State.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Convener of #EndSARS, Segun Awonsonya; Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju; Coalition In Defence Of Nigerian Democracy, Ariyo Dare Atoye; Our Mumu Don Do Movement, Adebayo Raphael; as well as Public Interest Lawyer, Abdul Mahmud and Campaign For Democracy, Bako Abdul Usman, a copy of which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja, on Sunday.
They said it was important to state that their protests and the calls for the dissolution of SARS would be situated within the context of the calls for the reform of the Nigerian Police Force.
According to the statement, “for a few days the highhandedness, brutality and extrajudicial execution perpetrated by the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) have been the topic for debate amongst Nigerians at home and abroad.
“We are appalled by the stories told by victims, friends and family members of victims who have recounted experiences of extortion, torture, murder and disappearance of friends and loved ones.
“These stories, many supported with pictures and videos, told by thousands of Nigerians about their suffering in the hands of men of the unit show that indeed the unit has outlived its uselessness and has become a menace to the Nigerian society.
“To this end, we will be holding a series of peaceful protests around the country on Monday, December 11, 2017, at locations in several cities to call for the immediate dissolution of SARS as a police unit.
“Whilst calling for the scrapping of the unit, we are also calling for greater funding of the police, better training, the provision of better equipment and living quarters, the provision of insurance, the establishment of a stricter code of conduct, the public prosecution and discipline of itinerant police officers and such other connected matters.
“We invite members of the media and all Nigerians to join us as we pursue the lofty ideals of a safer, more secure and better-policed country for all Nigerians”, the statement added.