At first, many thought the #EndSARS campaign was one of
those routine social media frenzy. But the movement, which is aimed at
addressing deeply-ingrained culture of police brutality in Nigeria, has since
gained global attention both online and on the streets — about two weeks after
it commenced.
The protest started as a clamour for an end to the
misconducts of the now-disbanded special anti-robbery squad (SARS). The
protesters, however, expanded their demands to include a comprehensive reform
of the police.
Just like life itself, the campaign has been a mixed bag
since it commenced. Apart from the fact that it was hijacked by thugs in some
parts of the country, it has also put a smile on the faces of some Nigerians
who have hitherto been battered by the vicissitudes of life.
We examine how the #EndSARS protest has
helped some Nigerians so far.
Jane Obiene
She had no limb like other protesters, but for Jane Obiene, the campaign against police brutality in the country is a fight to the end.
With the aid of her crutches, Obiene joined #EndSARS
protesters to demand an end to harassment and extrajudicial killings of
Nigerians by the police unit.
It wasn’t long before her sheer passion despite seeming
disability fetched her goodwill from the public.
Shortly after her picture went viral, Nonso Egemba, a medical
expert better known as Aproko Doctor, had launched a fundraiser to help her
obtain a prosthetic leg.
Obiene was said to have graduated in 2013 but had been
unable to get a job due to her disability. As of the time of this report, the
fundraiser had garnered more than N7.5 million.
In a follow-up post, Aproko Doctor revealed that work had
commenced on her leg.
#TheBushBurning
— Austeiin (@Austeiin) October 18, 2020
After the successful fund raising of the prosthetic leg for Jane Obiene;
NIGERIAN Youths are already on the move in securing Charles Nnaman, the guy who protested in the #EndSARS protests at Surulere, Lagos another prosthetic leg for him as well.#NewNigeria pic.twitter.com/1uVxVs6yq0
Charles Nnamani
Like Jane, Charles Nnamani joined #EndSARS protesters at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, with no limb.
According to Akproko Doctor, he would also get a prosthetic leg from the public donations made while what is left of the fund will be used to help others.
As of now, the donation link is disabled
— Aproko Doctor (@aproko_doctor) October 19, 2020
A total of 7 million, five hundred and fifty three thousand, six hundred and seventy five naira only was raised to get Jane and Charles Nnamani prosthetic legs
The funds shall be disbursed responsibly and also help others
God bless you
Dominic Onyeukwu
The thought of losing a child is never a good one for every parent. Dominic Onyeukwu, whose son was allegedly killed by SARS operatives in Delta state, captured the traumatic experience associated with his demise.
A video of Onyeukwu mourning his son had gone viral and attracted the attention of many people including Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
The prayer that sparked the #SARSMUSTEND and #EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeria protests
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) October 12, 2020
Does anybody know how to reach this man? #SarsMustGo pic.twitter.com/BK0MT1SsRx
Omokri, thereafter, launched a fundraiser for the bereaved
father while also promising to support him in the wake of his son’s demise.
The killing of Onyeukwu’s son among other instances ignited
the renewed protests against the dreaded police unit.
‘2 million for
groundnut seller’
For a yet-to-be-identified woman, it was probably one of those days to roam the streets to sell her groundnut. But on getting to the Lekki toll gate, one of the venues for the ongoing #EndSARS campaign in Lagos, luck smiled on her.
Her struggle to eke out a living caught the attention of
protesters who donated towards improving her standard of living.
John Ogu, a Super Eagles midfielder, who was also at the Lekki toll gate last Wednesday, was part of those who contributed to raise funds for the groundnut seller. It was gathered that the protesters raised N500,000 hours after call for the donation was made. It, however, increased to over N2,350,000 later.
UPDATE AS AT 8:00PM:
— OMO IYA ALAMALA (@sama_on_point) October 15, 2020
A TOTAL SUM OF N2,350,000 (TWO MILLION THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND NAIRA) WAS RAISED FOR THE GROUNDNUT SELLER BY THE NIGERIAN YOUTHS AT THE LEKKI TOLL GATE TODAY!!!
🙌✊👊🖤💪#ReformPoliceNG #EndPoliceBrutality
The #EndSARS protest may have continued to elicit different reactions but it would be remembered for also bringing succour to some Nigerians.
culled: TheCable
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