Abuja, Nigeria – (African Boulevard News) – “Mass Burial” for 103 Victims of the #EndSARS Movement
One hundred and three people who died in October 2020 during the #EndSARS movement against police violence in Nigeria – and whose bodies at the Lagos morgue have not been claimed – will be buried, according to authorities. The decision to hold a mass burial for these victims comes as part of the efforts to provide closure to their families and ensure their final resting place.
The #EndSARS movement was a nationwide protest against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit of the Nigerian Police Force, accused of human rights abuses, extrajudicial killings, and extortion. The movement gained momentum across the country, with thousands of young Nigerians taking to the streets to demand justice and an end to police brutality.
Months after the protest, the bodies of 103 victims remain unclaimed at the Lagos morgue. This distressing situation is a reflection of the pain and suffering endured by their families. In an interview with African Boulevard News, Mrs. Adeola Ogunrinde, whose son died during the protest, expressed her deep sadness and frustration, saying, “I just want him to have a proper burial so that we can find closure and try to move on.”
The decision to conduct a mass burial for these victims has received mixed reactions from the public. While some see it as a necessary step to provide closure to the families, others argue that it is a stark reminder of the government’s failure to address the root causes of the #EndSARS movement and hold the perpetrators accountable.
Human rights activists have been vocal about the need for justice and accountability. In a statement, Mr. Chidi Odinkalu, a human rights lawyer, said, “The mass burial of these victims is a painful reminder of the systemic failures that led to their deaths. It is essential that the government takes swift action to address the grievances that sparked this movement and ensure that those responsible for the violence are held accountable.”
The mass burial is scheduled to take place next week in Lagos. The government has assured the families that appropriate protocols will be followed, and the victims will be laid to rest with dignity. Efforts are underway to ensure that the families are adequately supported during this difficult time, with counseling services and financial assistance being provided.
As Nigeria prepares to bid farewell to these 103 victims, it is a somber reminder of the need for systemic reforms within the Nigerian Police Force and the justice system as a whole. The #EndSARS movement may have faced setbacks, but its impact continues to resonate, demanding justice and an end to police brutality in Nigeria.
In a country where the wounds of police violence run deep, the mass burial serves as a painful symbol of the quest for justice. The hope remains that this tragic event will serve as a catalyst for change, pushing the government and the Nigerian people to work together in building a safer and more just society.
