Nigeria Protests Persist After 'SWAT' Police Unit Announced
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published October 14, 2020 | 05:20 PM
Lagos, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Oct, 2020 ) :Protesters blocked two main roads in Nigeria's biggest city Lagos on Wednesday, as more demonstrations were held against police brutality despite fresh promises of reform from the government.
Widespread anger over abuses by the police's notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) erupted onto the streets earlier this month, drawing crowds in cities across Africa's most populous country.
The government on Sunday announced it was scrapping SARS and has pledged broader reforms to Nigeria's law enforcement.
The inspector general of police said on Tuesday that a new Special Weapons and Tactics (Swat) team would "fill the gaps arising from the dissolution of the defunct SARS".
But the announcement which followed a closed-door meeting was met with scepticism, with the hashtag #EndSWAT quickly trending online along with #EndSARS.
Hundreds of people huddled in the beating rain in front of a key toll gate in the sprawling economic hub of Lagos on Wednesday as they sought to keep up pressure for change.
"Half of my staff have been harassed (by police) in the past two years," restaurant owner Aderonke Bamgbade told AFP.
"I'm here to support my team. We can no longer sit in the comfort of our homes and complain." The centre of the city of 20 million was largely empty as residents stayed home after days of protests worsened the nose-to-tail traffic.
Demonstrations were also reported in the capital Abuja on Wednesday.
The government's move to scrap SARS has been a rare concession to popular protests in a country dominated by an entrenched ruling elite.
The authorities have pledged a raft of measures including the release of arrested protesters and citizens and an agreement to set up within a week an independent body to probe abuse.
There has been a promise to offer psychological evaluation and training to disbanded SARS officials prior to re-deployment.
But frustrations run high among Nigeria's younger generations as they face the brunt of abuses and a lack of opportunities, and many insist they will keep protesting.
The United Nations resident coordinator in Nigeria Edward Kallon said the "government's commitment to dismantle the outfit and reform the police is welcome".
"The process may take time. I appeal to the youth to remain peaceful," Kallon said on Twitter.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Separate coaches to be hired for ODIs, Test and T20I formats
Finance Minister calls for reforming tax system to improve country's economy
PM calls for joint efforts to check smuggling, power theft
Infinix Unveils a Vibrant New Chapter with Wahaj Ali: The face of Infinix NOTE 4 ..
PM makes two more appointments in his team
Terrorists of Shangla suicide attack will be brought to justice: Interior Minist ..
Applications Open for 6th Cycle of Start-up Incubation under the National Expans ..
Join vivo's "Light it Up" Social Media Contest in Ramadan to Win vivo V30 5G
Pakistan v New Zealand T20I series: Tickets to go on sale from today
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 29 March 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 29 March 2024
Journalists call for global action to end Gaza’s humanitarian crisis
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Shaheed Jalil Andrabi remembered on his martyrdom anniversary
2 days ago -
Architectural grandeur of Mohabat Khan Mosque attracts visitors, archeology lovers
2 days ago -
Besant Hall cultural centre to hold programme in memory Pir Hassam din Rashdi
4 days ago -
USA beats Mexico 2-0 for CONCACAF Nations League title
4 days ago -
World urged to intervene for peace in Kashmir
5 days ago -
Undeterred resolve – only way to end economic woes
5 days ago
-
Organic Food: A booming trend in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
5 days ago -
From Soil to Harvest: Use of modern technology vital for agricultural renaissance
5 days ago -
Spring season offers glimpse into GB's natural beauty, cultural heritage
5 days ago -
Nation to mark decades’ long journey of resilience through annals of history
7 days ago -
23rd March: A historic day reminds Muslims’ heroic struggle for Pakistan
7 days ago -
Measures urged to recharge depleting water table: Experts
7 days ago