EndSARs: Abia Gov Promises Action As State Witnessed Peaceful Protests

Protesters demonstrating against police brutality in Umuahia engaged in peaceful procession across the Abia State capital on Thursday.

The protesters visited the Abia State Police Command at Bende Road and moved to the Abia State House of Assembly as well as the Government House.

The procession was devoid of incidence, unlike in some state capitals where violence marred the day.

Reacting to the protests, governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, said he had taken note of the requests of the youth and would forward the demands to appropriate quarters.

In a statement on his Twitter handle, the governor said: “I have taken note of the peaceful protests tagged #EndSARS and wish to assure Abịa youth and the general public that we will take up their concerns and ensure that your voices are heard at the right quarters.”

One of the protesters who gave his name as Mr Skid, an undergraduate student who resides in Umuahia, said the protest was a welcome development.

He also described as good, the decision to disband SARS.

He, however, said the announcement “fell short of the expectations of Nigerians, ”saying the protesters expected a more holistic action.

According to him Nigerian youths want accountability from police operatives who have committed murdered and “who have brutalised Nigerians,” he told our correspondent.

He stated further that “Disolving the unit without taking sanctions against those who perpetrated evil and committed so many criminal acts against the innocent Nigeria youths means that when they are transferred to another unit, they could replicate the same atrocities.”

Also, another student who gave his name as Uchenna, described the redeployment of officers as “problematic and duplication of functions. ”

Uchenna said what was needed was “root-and-branch reform” instead of creating another tactical team immediately.

A female protester also told our correspondent that disbanding SARS was not enough.

She said the youths are also demanding immediate release of all arrested protesters across the country and justice for all deceased victims of police brutality and appropriate compensation for their families.