Rivers Youths Call Wike’s Bluff, Embark On #EndSARS Protest

Youths in Rivers state have disregarded the ban placed on protest against police brutality by governor Nyesom Wike.

Fresh cases of police brutality have triggered renewed calls for the disbandment of special anti-robbery squad (SARS). The police unit is notorious for extortion, kidnapping and extrajudicial killing.

There have been protests across major cities in the country.

On Monday Wike issued a statement announcing prohibition of protest in any form against police brutality and SARS.

Justifying his directive, Wike said there was no need for any protest in the state since the inspector general of police, Mohammed Adamu, had announced the dissolution of the police unit.

But in flagrant disregard for his directive, youth in the state stormed the streets of Port Harcourt, the state capital to join the #EndSARS protest.

The youths converged opposite the Pleasure Park on Aba Road and began their procession, insisting the Governor had no right to ban peaceful protests.

Armed with various placards and chanting “End SARS”, in solidarity, the youths blocked the busy Aba road, causing traffic gridlock.

Details shortly…