#EndSARS: Osinbajo apologises for decades of police brutality

The vice-president enumerates additional steps for sustainable improvements after two weeks of worldwide agitation.

Nimi Princewill • October 17, 2020

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, previewing tweets from the #EndSARS protest. [CREDIT: Twitter]

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has apologised to Nigerians over the government’s inaction in curbing police brutality in the country.

While describing the use of excessive force by the police as unacceptable, Mr. Osinbajo condoled with the families of Jimoh Isiaq, and other victims who lost their lives at the hands of notorious police officers.

Speaking on the raging nationwide protests, the Vice-President said, “We also understand that the issues that you’re raising are bigger than just SARS.”

“They’re deep and systemic and we’re undertaking comprehensive measures that will revamp the police by addressing issues of welfare, service conditions and training.”

Dear Nigerians, I know that many of you are angry, and understandably so. We could’ve moved faster and for this we are sorry.
— Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020

I fully understand how many young people feel. Many feel that we have been too silent and have simply not done enough.
These feelings of frustration are justified.
— Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020

There are far too many people who have been brutalised at the hands of the police and this is unacceptable. We must take responsibility for protecting young people, even sometimes from those who are paid to protect them.
— Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020

Thousands of protesters held candlelight sessions in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt on Friday night to mourn victims of police brutality.

IN MEMORIAM ~ From Abuja to Port-Harcourt, different parts of Lagos and across the country, Nigerian youths hold candlelight service in memory of victims killed by members of rogue Police unit, SARS (📸 Twitter). #GlaziaNow #EndSARS pic.twitter.com/QNngaoctkV
— GLAZIA (@Glaziang) October 16, 2020

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.