Image: Saheed A Obaleye

The University of Salford’s Nigerian Student Society (NSS) went to the BBC studio in MediaCityUK on December 11 to protest against police brutality and the extra judicial killing of innocent citizens in Nigeria.

The group of international students were protesting against the alleged killing of innocent young people by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, better known as SARS.

The group, who have over 45 members with common interests, joined their brothers and sisters who are going through tough times in Nigeria by protesting against the deadly force.

They flocked at the BBC office to make their grief known to the world.

Image: Saheed A Obaleye
UoS, NSS gathered at MediaCityUK (Image Credit: Saheed A Obaleye)

A spokesperson, Mr Segun Ogunyemi said: “We are tired of the sad news, killing of innocent youth in Nigeria is unlawful and we want international intervention who can lend a listening ears to our cries as we demand justice for the loss of innocent lives. We want the change we demand to happen now.”

Continuing, Mr Ogunyemi said that by aiming to have the BBC office as the meeting point for the protest was because majority of the NSS members at the university are based in Salford areas and BBC office is within reach.

The #ENDSARS movement has received massive support globally, with some celebrities and senior government officials joining the fight for the disbandment and investigation of the rogue Special Anti-Robbery Squad. 

The Special Anti-Robbery Squad was accused of profiling Nigerian youths based on their dress style, tattoos and hairstyles. 

The forces also lead to the Lekki massacre. 

On Wednesday December 2, two renowned UK MPs, Neil Coyle and Helen Hayes appealed to the UK government to take action after the violent repression of peaceful protests in Nigeria.  

The West Norwood and Dulwich MP called upon the foreign Secretary to join in the support for the END SARS campaigners in Nigeria and the members of the diaspora.  

Helen Hayes said in a letter to the Foreign Secretary: “The recent violence in Nigeria and the repression of protestors is abhorrent, and I know that many of my constituents are deeply worried about family and friends living in Nigeria. 

“The UK has a moral duty to stand up for human rights abroad and to work with international partners to oppose abuses.

“The UK government must do everything possible to help restore peace in Nigeria.”

More than 220,000 people had signed a petition compelling the UK government to impose sanctions on key public figures responsible for the gross human rights violation in the Nigerian regime.  

However, the UK government officials said they’re still waiting for the report from the ongoing investigation into the brutality caused by the deadly UK-trained Special Anti-Robbery Squad. 

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