By Re’Chelle Turner | Click2Houston
HOUSTON – More than 50 people have been killed, along with at least 18 security forces, in another deadly day in Nigeria. The violence erupted during peaceful protests that were meant to bring to light rampant abuses at the hands of police. There have been marches and rallies in solidarity with the Nigerian people worldwide.
Mayor Sylvester Turner, several community leaders and people gathered Friday night at Houston’s city hall to remember the young lives lost during the peaceful protest in Nigeria.
The Rise of the African Multinational Enterprise: The most authoritative book on private enterprise in Africa. Get a Copy from SPRINGER
Peter Uwalaka and Elizabeth Opara are members of the UIU chapter in Houston and are first-generation Nigerian Americans. They say the violence needs to stop.
“Nigerian citizens have been brutalized, harassed, raped, shot and extorted,” Uwalaka said.
For weeks the country has been rocked by violent protests over police brutality.
“It’s truly disheartening. I think that’s the only word that can capture my sentiments at this point,” Opara said.
The chaos started after a man was beaten and killed by members of the police Special Anti-Robbery Squad known as SARS.
“To see the slaughtering of your people, by people who look like you that’s horrible,” Uwalaka said.
RELATED POSTS
Now, #endsars is trending on social media. People tired of the violence against peaceful protest and police brutality.
But Uwalaka says there is much more to it.
“Putting an end to corruption, putting an end to inequality and lack of education, lack of resources, lack of resources to go to school,” he said.
Demonstrators are demanding an end to senseless attacks and respect for human rights in all parts of the police force.
“It doesn’t seem fair at times and, to be honest, but I’m praying for their safety and praying for their well-being and ultimately praying for a better Nigeria,” Opara said.
Africans in America
Nobody reports on Nigerians in America more than Africans-in-America.com . The most Authoritative voice of the African Immigrants in America. Subscribe today
Meanwhile On Saturday October 24th, the Houston UIU Chapter organized a protest in Houston. Congressman Al Green joined the Coalition Against Human Rights Abuse and the Houston Nigerian community to protest the killings on Saturday.
“They say enough is enough,” said Green. “It is time for us to let Nigeria know we will not allow human rights to be ignored.”
“People who look like me are dying everyday,” said a Houston resident.
The End SARS movement calls for an end to violence and police brutality being done by the special anti-robbery squad in the west African country.
The movement has been viral on social media for days.
Read from source Click2Houston
You must log in to post a comment.