Beyoncé sends message to #EndSARS protesters in Nigeria
'We Stand With You,' said the global music superstar.
Beyoncé has joined the growing list of A-listers speaking out about the #EndSARS movement amidst widespread protests in Nigeria.
On Tuesday evening, the singer took to her Instagram to share how “heartbroken” she was over the “senseless brutality” sweeping through Nigeria.
This month young activists have peacefully taken to the streets to bring awareness to the police brutality they’ve been subjected to by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a controversial unit of the Nigerian police force, which human rights groups have blamed for widespread abuses, including torture and killings.
“I am heartbroken to see the senseless brutality taking place in Nigeria,” Beyonce wrote in a text post.
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“We have been working on partnerships with youth organizations to support those protesting for change. We are collaborating with coalitions to provide emergency healthcare, food and shelter. To our Nigerian sisters and brothers, we stand by you.”
She then instructed her followers to visit Beyonce.com to see a list of organizations to support.
According to CNN, the protests turned fatal Tuesday night and eyewitnesses have reported that the army opened fire on the protesters.
“Members of the Nigerian army pulled up on us and they started firing,” recalled Akinbosola Ogunsanya, a witness at the protests who claims the shooting began after the lights were turned off at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos.
“They were shooting, they were firing straight, directly at us, and a lot of people got hit. I just survived, barely,” said Ogunsanya.
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That same day Nigerian-American singer Jidenna also spoke up about the protests.
“To non-Nigerians in the US- we need your solidarity. Just as we rose up for #GeorgeFloyd, we are rising against years of police brutality & corruption that were born in colonialism & slavery,” he explained on Twitter. “The fight to #EndSARS is ultimately a fight to create a dignified Black/ African nation.”
Chart-topping musician Davido tweeted: “My people need me …. #EndSarsNow.”
The protests were sparked after countless videos were released allegedly showing SARS officers killing young people across Nigeria.
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