Kanye West reacts to #EndSars protest in Nigeria

Award-winning American rapper Kanye West has taken to social media to show solidarity and support to Nigerian protesters who are calling on the government to end the SARS unit of the police force.

He continued by saying that the government must listen to the cries of the people and end police brutality.

“I stand with my Nigerian brothers and sisters to end police brutality, the government must answer to the peoples cries #EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeria,” West tweeted Monday.

I stand with my Nigerian brothers and sisters to end police brutality, the government must answer to the peoples cries #EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeria

— ye (@kanyewest) October 12, 2020

Celebrities including singer Trey Songz (real name Tremaine Aldon Neverson), former professional footballer Rio Ferdinand and “Star Wars” actor John Boyega are also among those showing support to those protesting the disbandment of a controversial police unit in the West African nation.

The protests in cities across Nigeria came after weeks of outcry online from young people in the country over claims of kidnapping, harassment, and extortion by a police unit known as the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS).

Demonstrations continued after the inspector general of police announced Sunday that the unit was being disbanded and its officers redeployed.

Using the hashtag #EndSARS on social media, international celebrities joined Nigerians in the campaign to end police brutality in all its forms.

“Police brutality here in America often is an abuse of power-driven by race. To be brutalized, extorted, and murdered by your own people is unimaginable. Prayers up and I’m researching ways I can help. #EndSARS,” Trey Songz tweeted Saturday.

Similarly, American gospel singer Kirk Franklin, using the photo of one of the Nigerian protesters, issued a message of support on Instagram: “For over 20 years, Nigeria stood with me, now I stand with you. #endsarsnow.”