Tobias Sylvester
International celebrities have reacted to the killing of Nigerian youths protesting against the extrajudicial activities of the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
KanyiDaily had reported that there is an ongoing #EndSARS protest across the country against the SARS tactical unit of the Nigerian Police Force over its brutality, illegal arrest, extortion, extra-judicial killings, among others.
On Tuesday night, October 21, 2020, Nigerian Soldiers opened fire on peaceful #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki toll gate, killing about nine people and injuring so many others.
Expressing their sadness and concern over the killing of the protesters, Big Sean, Jidenna, Gabrielle Union, Chance the Rapper and more international celebrities took to social media to respond to these heinous acts.
Gabrielle Union expressed her worries as she quoted a graphic video showing the scene of the bloody protest ground. “#EndSARS We need everyone’s voice to amplify what is going on as we speak!! The world is watching,” she tweeted.
#EndSARS We need everyone's voice to amplify what is going on as we speak!! The world is watching https://t.co/Zk4Dg27IrU
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) October 20, 2020
Chance the Rapper said the world needs to support young Nigerians who are protesting against police brutality across the country.
“There is a massacre happening in Lekki. Firing squads mass murdering young people in Nigeria,” Chance the Rapper tweeted, adding, “The world needs to engage.”
There is a massacre happening in Lekki. Firing squads mass murdering young people in Nigeria. The world needs to engage #endSARS
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) October 20, 2020
Jidenna has called on Africans in diaspora to show support for Nigerians who are protesting police brutality across the country.
To the African diaspora, Nigeria needs you to amplify rn! The Nigerians that are in your crew, your class, your sports teams, your offices, your playlists, your films, your hospitals…they all need you rn. We need you to be even louder than we’re known to be. #EndSARS
— Jidenna (@Jidenna) October 20, 2020
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. The fight to #EndSARS is ultimately a fight to create a dignified Black/ African nation
— Jidenna (@Jidenna) October 21, 2020
I’ll be making calls, sending texts, and praying for everyone affected by the #LekkiMassacre #EndSARS These clips are horrific and terrifying to watch. Bless everyone on the ground. I can only imagine what you feel rn.
— Jidenna (@Jidenna) October 21, 2020
Read more reactions to the massacre below:
Nigeria!!! Y’all on my heart! It’s horrific over there! So many people being murdered for peaceful protesting about being murdered! #EndSARS
— Sean Don (@BigSean) October 21, 2020
THEY ARE KILLING OUR PEOPLE. OUR HEARTS ARE HEAVY. #EndSARS
— SANTAN (@Santandave1) October 21, 2020
people are loosing their lives man, this violence is evil and extremely corrupt #EndSARS
— Aminé (@heyamine) October 21, 2020
#EndSARS is global now, the world is watching, the leaders must listen before it's too late
— Malik Ofori (@malikofori) October 21, 2020
Also reacting to the killing, Nicki Minaj said she stands with “brave young people of Nigeria who are in the front lines of this senseless violence.”
Meanwhile, Rihanna shared a photo of a blood stained Nigerian flag and saluted Nigerians for their courage in fighting for what is right despite the tough times.
