Pro-SARS And #EndSARS Protesters Clash In Abuja

There was serious commotion in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Abuja, on Wednesday as pro-SARS and #EndSARS protesters clashed.

According to Correspondent who witnessed the protests, Lots of vehicles were destroyed and people sustained injuries during the clash at the busy Berger Roundabout.

Before the incident happened, the #EndSARS protesters marched at the roundabout chanting: “End police Brutality now”.

The protesters in large number, obstructed the entrance to the junction, creating a standstill for hours and almost grinding commercial activities to a halt.

The pro-SARS protesters were spotted marching towards the junction, At about 12:30p.m

Hours before the commotion started.
The campaigners ran for their dear lives in different directions as gunshots were heard and vehicles were dismantled.

Some tried to protect themselves as the invading groups drew near to the protesters with sticks and machetes, destroying anything else in their path.

In response to the attack, some youths beat up some of their attackers, who they suspected of being thugs.

Policemen and other security agencies tried to calm the situation. Fortunately, Nobody died.

Some twitter users claimed the “thugs were sent to attack harmless protesters, but got more than they bargained”.

Popular comedian Mr Macaroni tweeted: “I fear who no fear Abuja ooo!! Pro-SARS miscreants went to disrupt protest.

“They flogged them and put them in ambulance for treatment. Wahala for who wan disrupt our protest ooo!!!”

Another user, Wale Adetona, tweeted: “Pro-SARS thugs have been rented to hijack the peaceful protest at Berger Bridge, Abuja.”

Shortly before the clash, the #EndSARS protesters expressed their displeasure at the setting up of the Special Weapons and Tactical, (SWAT), unit by the Inspector General of Police Adamu to replace the scrapped Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

We will not back down from this protest. How can you just disband the notorious SARS and immediately create another unit for the same set of criminals? We say no to that,” one of them said.

Another protester said: “How can it be possible within 24hrs to hurriedly assemble a squad? It is a way to reintroduce SARS.”

The youths also mentioned they were also campaigning against bad governance and lack of accountability in the system.

Other youths implored President Muhammadu Buhari to sign an Executive Order on the dissolution of SARS with immediate effect.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Bala Ciroma, noted that he had set up an investigation panel to investigate the clash.

He also mentioned that the intervention of his men ensured there was no life lost and that no arrests were yet made.

According to him, five vehicles were dismantled in the clash.

The police restated that no official of the disbanded SARS will be part of SWAT.

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba, said the new tactical team will be strictly intelligence-driven.

Some civil society organisations commended President Buhari and the IGP for disbanding SARS.

During a rally in support of police and other security agencies at the Unity Fountain, Abuja, the coalition criticized the continuation of the #ENDSARS protests across some states.

Chief convener of the coalition, Comrade Olayemi Success, believed that the #EndSARS protests were “totally uncalled-for and unacceptable”.

He explained that “This solidarity march is very important to boost the morale of the policemen and women; for them to know that well-meaning Nigerians appreciate their sacrifices in securing Nigeria.”

The groups believe the new SWAT would “discharge all the responsibilities of the disbanded SARS more professionally and effectively”.

An All Progressives Congress, (APC), Chieftain, Mr Uche Nwosu, urged the Federal Government to broaden the proposed police reform to the whole security agencies and government institutions.

Mr Nwosu added that “These protests must not be treated, superficially, because the emotion that spurred and still spur the #EndSARS movement is more visceral than we are seeing.

“I restate my commendation to President Buhari and the IGP for their responses so far.

“The focus of the reforms should be on ensuring that our youths are given needed protection and concessions in the planning and implementation of government policies, across all sectors.

“To avert a further degeneration of these protests, stakeholders must come together to ensure quick resolution of all the issues that have led to the standoff between our university lecturers and the government.”