The Unending Affliction of SARS and its Effects

It is the duty of government security parastatals to ensure the safety of citizens. Unfortunately in recent times there has been too many cases of trigger-happy policemen and state security personnel gunning down innocent citizens.

Over the years, the police which the people see as a friend of some sort, particularly in times of security challenges have become a pain in the neck of the citizens.

Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), a department of the Nigerian police has become a banner of affliction on the youths. We cannot deny the fact that there are good eggs among them. Also, we are not oblivious to the fact that they have been effective at one point or the other in line of their duty.

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However, the harm they have caused among the youths has become a constant thread for discussion and a call for protests. Their ineptitude has led to the government banning their illegal operations consistently.

Recently, the media has been awash with horrible tales of the activities of SARS operatives. Victims of their assault have termed them as accomplices to crimes and a nuisance to the Nigerian society.

Everything about #SARS in one minute; pic.twitter.com/Ba07NzQ3iT

— Amnesty Int. Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) October 9, 2020

It is quite saddening to say the least. Counting the number of cases of SARS brutality can be likened to counting the number of hairs on our heads.

We are a product of our society

In trying to be positive, we compare Nigeria to other nations who have more challenges than us. Often, we conclude by saying to ourselves, ‘’Nigeria is peaceful. Even if the roads are bad and the rate of power supply is crippling, we still have life. When there is life, there is hope.’’ These words strengthen us into believing that Nigeria can be great again.

On that premise, we live without great expectations of our nation. Also, we encourage ourselves that there is light at the end of the tunnel. That end, we cannot foretell. It is quite unfortunate to admit that the SARS operatives whom we complain of regularly are a reflection of who we are.

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Facebook user, Jinadu Ibukun made a comment on the social media platform acknowledging the fact that SARS are a part of us and it goes to show who we are as a society. In his words:

‘’SARS is a reflection of who we are. Government is a reflection of our society. Our society is a reflection of our families. Our families are a reflection of our core values’’ –Jinadu Ibukun, October 4, 2020.

As we join to condemn the oppression of SARS operatives, let us remember that flushing out the present security operatives does not guarantee a better one. The system itself is corrupt. This is because we are all a product of our society.

Speak up against oppression

Many a time, Nigerians have been accused of being keyboard warriors. They are tagged as lily-livered because they are often scared to hit the streets for a protest. The youths are gathering momentum gradually to challenge stereotypes.

Civil rights activist and convener of EndSARS campaign, Segun Awosanya, has described the Nigeria Police Force as a terrorist organization.

‘’As it were, I can only speak for FSARS Lagos. The remaining has bitten the evil fruit in conspiracy against our youth. They rob/abduct our youth in and out of uniform without shame alongside SAKS/SACS/MobilePolice etc. The Police are indeed a terrorist organization in Nigeria.’’

Speaking up against impunity and misuse of power and fire arms has become imperative. Awosanya stated that ‘’if you are a coward, you are already dead.’’

‘’There is no doubt this will end in a bloody revolution if this madness continues. It is unfortunate that the generation most affected are too distracted to realize their future is being cut short. In other climes, the youths are favored by technological advancement and prone to succeed but not in Nigeria.’’ -Segun Awosanya, 2019.

Due to the public outcry by many Nigerians, the Federal government has declared a ban on the illegal activities of the SARS operatives. This is the umpteenth time the government will be taking such a decision. Yet, there seems to be an increase in the rate of SARS brutality.

This happened todaypic.twitter.com/E2joA7E8KD

— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) October 11, 2020

The only way to curb the activities of trigger happy officers who misuse power is to sign the Police Reform Bill into law. To restore the people’s faith in the state security apparatus, President Buhari needs to step in and find a solution that ensures that citizens are secured within the law.