6 groups of people in the #EndSARS protests

Nigerians have been exercising their right to peaceful protests for the past few days. This is due to the incessant cases of police brutality, extortion and intimidation.

Operatives of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) are known for harassing well meaning Nigerians. Initially, their aim was to track internet fraudsters. However, they have since gone overboard with their job description.

Individuals spotted with tinted hair or dreadlocks, and those who dress flamboyantly have been the target of SARS operatives, regardless of who they are.

There are also several reports of harassment and extortion of others who may not fit the above stereotype. Through these protests, Nigerians have declared in one voice that they have had enough of the harassment. Hence, they decided to protest peacefully.

These protests have gathered noteworthy reactions so far. Entertainers, sportsmen, human rights activists, and countless citizens have been active in ensuring that SARS is totally scrapped from the system.

The reactions from protesters have added some spice to the whole campaign. This article outlines six groups of protesters from the #EndSARS protests.

1.The aggrieved

This set of people have either personally experienced the brutality of SARS first-hand. Or they have family or close friends who have. They have come to believe that it is safer to live outside the country than to live in their father land.

Their aim of this protest goes beyond the need to end SARS; it is a general call to end bad leadership.

2. The food lover

This type of participant is on the lookout for food at the protest. Their social media updates often revolves around food or the lack of it thereof. Inasmuch as they are actually concerned about the main objective of the protest, their place emphasis on the food shared at the rally.

They praise the food sponsors whenever they get enough food. And they equally express their dissatisfaction when they feel that the supply is not adequate.

3. The statement maker

Social media have been awash with different statements about those who participate in the protests; either onsite or online. Below is a compilation of those statements.

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• Na person wey go protest go live for 600 years.
• Na pastor wey support us we go attend him church.
• Na babe wey join protest we go give urgent 2k.
• Na company wey allow their staff protest we go patronize.
• Na babe wey go protest we go marry.
• Na business people wey support the protest we go buy their product.

4. The brave

Those in this category have been lauded for their sheer display of bravery. Security operatives have tear-gassed protesters but this has not deterred them from airing their grievances in the face of assault.

In Abuja, there are cases of protesters who retaliated by throwing back the tear gas canisters at the security operatives.

These protesters are not scared of attack. They developed a habit of dodging bullets. And even after they have been manhandled, they return the very next day with full force.

5. The arrested

There has been a series of arrests so far. This has not affected the momentum of the protest. Moreso, fellow protesters put up a fight when another is being arrested.

Twitter has been awash with trending hashtags, resulting in the release of arrested persons. Notable examples are those detained in Abeokuta and Surulere.

6. The beefing/angry protester

This set of people constantly seek out and berate organisations and public figures who are perceived to be silent about the protest.

They are only interested in information directly linked to the EndSARS campaign. And to anyone who is not visibly supporting the protest, shades are thrown.

In spite of the harsh economic conditions, many youths have tried to make an honest living. Yet the President has referred to them as ‘cowards and lazy‘. This protest is a display of their frustration at a system that has continually failed them.

There is hope that this campaign will not just bring an end to SARS, but also the beginning of the end of bad leadership in the country.