The Network on Police Reform in Nigeria, NOPRIN Foundation, has called for an urgent need for reform within the country’s law enforcement agencies.
NOPRIN made the call in a statement signed by its Programme Officer, Precious Osinaku, to commemorate what it described as the tragic events that led to the #Endsars on the 20th of October, 2020.
According to the foundation, this third anniversary of the #EndSARS Protests serves as a stark reminder for the urgent need for reform within the country’s law enforcement agencies.
It noted that Nigerians as a people, must strive for a society, where every citizen can trust in the fairness and justice of the institutions.
It stressed why it’s important for the Nigerians to work collaboratively to ensure that such heart-wrenching events do not occur again.
See full text of the release:
Press Statement by Network on Police Reform in Nigeria to Commemorate the tragic events that led to and took place on the 20th of October, 2020.
On this third anniversary of the #EndSARS Protests of the year 2020, the protests which was an unmistakable cry for change, signalling that the current state of the Nigeria Police Force is deeply flawed and in need for substantial reform, we remember the tragic events that shook our nation, Nigeria and highlighted the pressing issue of police brutality. The 20th of October, 2020 will forever be etched in our collective memory as a day that witnessed the loss of precious lives in the pursuit of justice and accountability.
It is with heavy hearts that we remember the lives cut short due to acts of violence resulting from citizens’ collective responses to police brutality. We honour the memory of victims who lost their lives in circumstances that should never have transpired. Their families and loved ones continue to bear the profound pain of their absence.
The tragic event of the 20th of October, 2020 serves as a stark reminder for the urgent need for reform within our law enforcement agencies. We must strive for a society where every citizen can trust in the fairness and justice of our institutions. It is important that we work collaboratively to ensure that such heart-wrenching events do not occur again.
We call upon the different stakeholders to come together, remember the lives lost, and channel our collective grief into meaningful action. Let us redouble our efforts to reform policing practices, to foster understanding and empathy among all members of the community, and to advocate for accountability and justice.
As we remember this painful chapter in our history, let us also look forward with hope and determination. We believe in the potential for positive change and justice for all. We also understand that the path to meaningful reform will be challenging, but it is our collective responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all citizens. Inaction is no longer an action. We implore the government and all stakeholders to seize this moment to work together in building a police force that truly serves and protects the public.
It is our hope that, through collaborative efforts and a commitment to justice and accountability, we can heal the rift between the Nigeria Police Force and the communities they serve. Together, we can work towards a more equitable, safe and compassionate future for our nation, Nigeria.
Signed
Precious Osinaku
Programme officer
NOPRIN Foundation
08167178486