Statement

Dear Harvard NSA Community,

We, the Harvard Nigerian Students Association, stand in solidarity with Nigerians worldwide in calling for the complete end to the unchecked brutality against our people by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

SARS is a unit of the Nigerian Police Force that is tasked with handling crimes such as armed robbery and kidnapping. Instead, SARS officers have been engaging in the unlawful kidnapping, murder, theft, extortion, rape, and torture of tens of thousands of Nigerian citizens for years. SARS officers often carry guns but do not wear uniforms, and they profile Nigerian youth for reasons such as owning iPhones, driving flashy cars, being well dressed, or having certain hairstyles.

Youth all over Nigeria and in cities all over the world, joined by many prominent activists and celebrities, have taken to the streets to protest, calling for the complete disbandment of SARS, an end to police brutality, and justice for past victims.

On October 11, 2020, the Inspector General of Police announced the dissolution of SARS, but we have heard this same story before.  In fact, SARS has been banned FOUR TIMES in the past few years. The true nature of this “dissolution” is that all officers currently serving in the unit will be redeployed to other police commands, and a new police unit for tackling armed robbery and violent crimes, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) has recently been announced. Additionally, the continued harassment, detainment, beatings, and disproportionate use of force being used against protestors by members of the Nigerian police force, resulting in the deaths of over 10 protesters during the most recent wave of protests alone, demonstrate a need for a complete overhaul of not just SARS, but Nigerian policing overall. This is UNACCEPTABLE.

On October 20, 2020, the atrocities continued.  In response to protests, the governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, issued a state-wide 24 hour curfew. Shortly after, and after disabling security cameras and turning off street lights, the Nigerian military opened fire at peaceful and unarmed protesters at Lekki toll gate, with tens of deaths confirmed. This massacre is absolutely unacceptable and a complete violation of human rights.

We recognize that now, more than ever,  silence is NOT an option and that we cannot ignore what is going on simply because it may not directly affect those of us who are abroad. Silence allows this culture of violence and corruption to persist in Nigeria. We at the Harvard Nigerian Students Association stand with our Nigerian brothers and sisters in their call for the COMPLETE dissolution (NOT REFORM) of SARS and justice and compensation for victims of SARS brutality, both dead and alive.

Please join us in taking action by reviewing the resources we have compiled below and helping in whatever ways you can.  

On Thursday, 10/15, between 6:30 - 8 PM EST,  join us in calling and emailing Nigerian leaders demanding change. You can pop in anytime and it will only require about 15 minutes to send the messages. We will be providing email and phone scripts for you to use.

On Friday, 10/23, from 7-8:30 PM EST, we will be holding an Afrobeats x Hip-Hop Dance Workshop along with GAASA and Omo Naija x Wahala Boys. We will set aside the first 15-20 minutes of the event for a teach-in on the #ENDSARS movement, hold a moment of silence for recent victims, and provide a quick opportunity for attendees to take action. Afterwards, we will proceed with the dance workshop, as while we fight for change, it is just as important for us to create spaces to de-stress and recover as we take in such heavy news daily.

Additionally, NSA will be matching the donations of our members up to $500. Please send us your donation receipts or Venmo us @Harvard-NSA and we will add it to our running total.

Let us fight with our brothers and sisters for an end to SARS and police brutality in Nigeria.

Thank you.

Harvard Nigerian Students Association

Executive Board, 2020-2021

HarvardNSA.org

Ways to Help the #ENDSARS Movement

  1. END SARS Carrd
  1. Contains information about SARS, the movement, ongoing protests, places to donate, people to contact, volunteer opportunities, and social media accounts to follow and stay updated.

  1. Stay Informed
  1. (VIDEO) Why are there protests going on in Nigeria and why is it your business?
  2. (ARTICLE) For the sake of democracy, Nigeria’s #EndSars campaign against police brutality must prevail
  3. (ARTICLE) As Nigerians continue to protest nationwide against police brutality, here's how you can help
  4. (WEBSITE) End Sars Demands

  1. Continue to use/respost the #ENDSARS, #SARSMUSTEND, and #ENDSWAT hashtags
  1. It is VITAL that we continue to use these hashtags in order to keep the situation relevant and trending on all forms of social media, which will be especially important in the case that the Nigerian government decides to block social media.

  1. Change your profile picture to the Feminist Coalition logo to show solidarity with Nigerians worldwide protesting for an end to police brutality.
  1. The Feminist Coalition is one of the largest organizing bodies that is mobilizing funds, personnel, and other resources for the #EndSARS protests, and they’ve been transparent, strategic, and relentless in their efforts.

  1. Donate to Credible Sources
  1. Feminist Coalition
  1. A group raising money to support the protests and the protesters through food, water, masks, first aid kits, bails and hospital bills. Funds will be directed as necessary to protest clusters and leaders all over Nigeria.
  2. NO LONGER ACCEPTING DONATIONS
  1. Diasporans Against SARS
  1. This Gofundme campaign is in support of the multiple victims on ground, suffering from the aftermath of protests, violence, looting, across the nation. This fundraiser also serves as a bridge for those who are unable to contribute directly to the cause. Proceeds will be distributed to verified and vetted grassroots organizations, such as LifeBank , Feminist Co , Kokun Foundation  and others, that are dedicated to meeting the needs of the protesters and the movement. A full transparency report, including where we received donations from and proof of fund deposited to said organizations, will be shared with all donors via email and publicly on our social media accounts.
  1. The Reach: Project Protect
  1. Providing financial, medical and legal resources during and after  #ENDSARS protests

  1. Contact Nigerian Officials (Sample script)
  1. Here are the scripts and contact information we wrote and compiled for the Zoom Bank we held on 10/15. Scripts have been updated to include recent events.

  1. Aid for Protestors in Nigeria
  1. Volunteer Lawyer Form
  1. Form for local lawyers to sign up to help arrested protestors.
  1. Protest Cluster Form
  1. Form for those leading protests and need funding support

  1. Follow these social media accounts to stay updated on the movement, ways to help, protests occurring worldwide, etc.
  1. Instagram
  1. @feminist.co
  2. @endsarsindiaspora
  3. @endsarsuk
  4. @endsarsnyc
  5. @endsarsbuffalo
  6. @endsarsboston
  7. @endsarsdmv
  1. Twitter
  1. @feminist_co

  1. More Guides on How to Help
  1. Diaspora Support 4 #EndSARS by Marvellous Iheukwumere