Student Susan Atiomo shares how you can help keep a spotlight on the fight to end police brutality in Nigeria.

The night of October 20 was a chilling one for Nigerians everywhere. As hundreds of citizens protested at Lekki toll gate in Lagos, demanding an end to police brutality and reformation of a broken system, soldiers opened fire on them. The peaceful protests had been painted red by the blood of its people and hopelessness descended across the country. How had a peaceful demonstration turned bloody? Why did asking for reformation of a failed system demand violence?

The gunshots were heard and felt throughout the Nigeria diaspora. Suddenly, the reposting and the retweeting of the movement didn’t seem enough in the wake of the lives lost on the night of October 20. People began to ask themselves: How significant is a social media post when there are others who are risking their lives by being on the streets and protesting?

Reporting in black and white... #ENDSARS protest. pic.twitter.com/9EVhmwKQIt
— Grace Ekpu (@Camerassassin) October 9, 2020

These feelings of hopelessness can lead to discouragement. It can also lead to a decrease in resharing and a disinterest in following the news. But we need to keep the spotlight on what is happening in Nigeria. We need to understand that in order to push for a better country, it is essential to keep the discussion alive on how the nation can progress positively.

Whether you are in Nigeria or in the diaspora, you can help maintain momentum for the #EndSARS movement by educating yourself, informing others and donating. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Get educated.

Understand what the #EndSARS movement is about and what led to its creation by checking out accounts like the End SARS Response Unit. Fill your timeline with updates from the ground by following key activists like Aisha Yesufu.

2. Know your history.

To change the future, it is mandatory to know the mistakes of the past. What has led the nation to be the way it is today? Learning and relearning Nigeria’s history will help in understanding its present state. Reading books from authors like Chinua Achebe will put into perspective some of our nation’s age-old struggles.

Candles were lit for all lives unjustly lost to police brutality. Young people in Nigeria have been protesting day and night across the Nation for 9days now, fighting against police brutality and government corrupt.#candles #endsarsnow #endsarsprotest #endswat #EndSARS pic.twitter.com/LROoA9tpBb
— Anthony Obayomi (@obayomianthony) October 16, 2020

3. Prevent the spread of misinformation by fact-checking.

This is perhaps one of the most important ways you can provide your support. Before retweeting or posting anything online, always verify your sources. Organisations like Africa Check can help with fact-checking information. Read the news on other platforms and see if the information matches with what you want to share.

4. Raise awareness.

Social media posts have the potential to reach and educate millions of people around the globe. Even if you have a small following, you never know who you could reach and what type of chain reaction you could ignite.

5. Encourage actions and donate to organisations.

Encourage leaders and influencers around the world to spread news of the movement. You can also help by donating to organisations that financially supported those in need during the movement such as feminist coalition.