Losing a loved one is the most difficult feeling to deal with, but losing one at the hands of the police who are the face of integrity, and at the forefront of putting an end to criminal activities bring intolerable pain to the soul. Our police are our shield from crime, the first go to place when in distress, hence considered a safe haven. But when they mutate into monsters/criminals, who bait on innocent blood, then the security of a society which is highly held becomes compromised.
Lately there have been a lot of cases of police brutality which have costed precious innocent blood. In American we have seen a revolution dubbed ‘Black Lives Matter’ to protest against police brutality on innocent black people. Currently in Nigeria, there are protests to end The Special Anti-Robbery Squad, known as SARS. I first got a glimpse of their corrupt and brutal treatment of suspects on a feature by BBC Africa Eye named “The torture Virus: Tabay Rampant Amongst Nigerian Security Forces.’ The images were graphic, and it was wistful to see the atrocities committed by men in uniform on innocent victims.(Watch the full story on: https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-africa-51419440)
The thing about police brutality is that before we realize the full extent of the atrocities committed, many cases have gone unreported. You will realize that you have lost so many lives, especially young people who had bright future ahead. The police are the same people tasked in investigating crime, and so they slack off when it comes to investigating matters that directly link them to a crime. As a result, victims continue to suffer, while the perpetrators carry on with their criminal activities, in fact they gain more stamina in their evil acts because they believe that they are untouchable. The police are also fully armed, as such they easily intimidate victims and because of the powers vested in them, anyone can be a victim.
A society that is exposed to constant police brutality and intimidation breeds psychologically tortured, sheepish and emotionally fatigued individuals. Such traits are very good for socio-economic development. One particular case in my home country that arks me, was when a brilliant advocate was strangled to death for representing a scooter driver who was hit by a stray bullet. The scooter driver and the taxi driver who drove them to court for the case were also murdered.
It is because of this case that I take any opportunity to speak against police brutality, and now add my voice to the #ENDSARS campaign. Human life is precious, and must be protected at all times. Our young people need to live in a safe environment, away from fear, witch-hunt, crime and intimidation. They need to be supported to thrive and live to their full potential. For this to happen police brutally has no place in our society. Let us all stand up and support Nigeria to #ENDSARSNOW