Sports - Football - All Teams
Updated: October 11, 2020

#EndSARS: Ozil Speaks; Pres. Buhari Fails To Make National Address

By Ridwan Yusuf
October 11, 2020
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Arsenal playmaker, Mesut Ozil has lent his recognisable voice to the raging protest in Nigeria against the controversial Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

AllNews reports that Nigerian youths are taking to the streets in large numbers since at least last week to protest against the activities of SARS, a unit in the Nigeria Police Force.

#EndSARS has been the top hashtag worldwide in the last 48 hours, as demonstrators in the colossal West African nation continue to demand SARS is disbanded.

After several allegations which include extortion and killings, many Nigerians are demanding a total ban of their operation, after previous efforts by the Nigerian government to reform and reorganize the unit.

Nationwide protests across major cities in Nigeria were a culmination of weeks of anger and outcry online by the country's young people over claims of harassment and extortion by SARS.

Earlier in 2020, Remo Stars defender, Tiyamiyu Kazeem was shot dead by a SARS officer after an encounter in Ogun State, South-West Nigeria.

Sports personalities have joined their compatriots in saying ‘enough is enough’ to the activities of the SARS operatives.

Ozil a world cup winner who is known for his activism, took to his verified Twitter handle on Sunday to charge people to "make this a trending topic everywhere".

Arsenal Football Club of England has an impressive fan base in Nigeria.

Horrible to hear what’s been going on in Nigeria. Let's make this a trending topic everywhere ▶️ #EndSARS - My thoughts go out to everyone who has been affected. ??? #EndPoliceBrutality
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) October 11, 2020

On Saturday, Jimoh Isiaq, a Nigerian youth (an onlooker) was killed by police's stray bullet during an #EndSARS protest in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, South-West Nigeria.

Isiaq has since been buried according to Islamic rites.

Buhari 'don't care', as Nigerian leader fails to address his people in broadcast on such a burning issue

Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari has only spoken about the raging issue on microblogging site, Twitter twice since the relaunch of the #EndSARS campaign.

In his last update on Friday, Buhari said he has instructed the inspector general of police, Mohammed Adamu, to “conclusively address the concerns of Nigerians” about police brutality.

Many citizens of Nigeria have criticised Buhari over his handling of the #EndSARS matter, with some even stating that the 77-year-old lacks traits of a considerate leader.