The 'End SARS' movement continues to build momentum around the world, after soldiers opened fire during a protest against police brutality in Lagos, Nigeria – killing several people, according to witnesses.

A 24-hour curfew is in place in Lagos and other regions.

The protests over the controversial police unit, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), which has a long history of reported abuses, have gripped Nigeria for the last two weeks. The protests were sparked after a viral video circulated online, allegedly showing SARS officers killing a young man.

On October 11, President Muhammadu Buhari announced that he was disbanding the unit.

As the movement continues to gain traction across the world, through the hashtag #EndSARS, several celebrities have voiced their support for the protesters.

"I am heartbroken to see the senseless brutality taking place in Nigeria," Beyoncé commented. "There has has to be an end to SARS."

A message from Beyoncé. pic.twitter.com/5Ng7JF2stf

— BeyGOOD (@BeyGood) October 21, 2020

In a statement, presidential nominee Joe Biden urged Buhari and the Nigerian military "to cease the violent crackdown on protests in Nigeria."

"My heart goes out to all those who have lost a loved one in the violence," he continued. "The United States must stand with Nigerians who are peacefully demonstrating for police reform and seeking an end to corruption in their democracy. I encourage the government to engage in a good-faith dialogue with civil society to address these long-standing grievances and work together for a more just and inclusive Nigeria."

Acclaimed Irish rapper JyellowL, who was born in Nigeria, also commented on the protests.

"This will not be brushed over like all the other atrocities our government does onto us," he said. "A premeditated genocide of peaceful protesters by a government that’s historically proven to undermine and undervalue the lives of its citizens. This runs deeper than #endsars and police reform, the country must reform! My hearts and prayers go out to my brothers and sisters back home. They’ve never seen a generation like us who refuse to bend to injustice. Though our hearts are broken, our spirits cannot be. We won’t be silenced and the lives of our true fallen soldiers, who lost their lives for the betterment of our country, will not be in vain. One love my people, you deserve better and you will get better."

 

Dit bericht bekijken op Instagram

 

Een bericht gedeeld door Yellowman 👑 (@jyellowl) op 20 Okt 2020 om 6:56 (PDT)

See more responses below:

Rest in peace to those who lost their lives at Lekki toll gate while PEACEFULLY PROTESTING for a better NIGERIA.What an absolute disgrace and unforgivable act by the Nigerian Govt. The world is WATCHING #EndSARS 💔💔💔💔💔💔

— SOULÉ (@SouleOfficial) October 20, 2020

Unarmed protesters bearing the National flag, singing the national anthem gunned down by the very people assigned to protect them. 💔. #EndSARS pic.twitter.com/Qffv9cxu1p

— Genevieve Nnaji MFR (@GenevieveNnaji1) October 20, 2020

Standing with & praying for the brave young people of Nigeria who are on the front lines of this senseless violence. Your voice is being heard. 🇳🇬 #EndSARS

— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) October 20, 2020

To non-Nigerians in the US- we need your solidarity. Just as we rose up for #GeorgeFloyd, we are rising against years of police brutality & corruption that were born in colonialism & slavery. The fight to #EndSARS is ultimately a fight to create a dignified Black/ African nation

— Jidenna (@Jidenna) October 21, 2020

#ENDSARS 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/59lrs8JnDA

— Rihanna (@rihanna) October 20, 2020

#EndSARS #EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeraNOW #EndBadGoveranceInNigeria #EndPoliceBrutality #EndSARSImmediately

Stop the Killing of Innocent Nigerians. pic.twitter.com/BppPGcQGDV

— Burna Boy (@burnaboy) October 21, 2020

It’s so funny how the Notre dame went up in flames and in an instant a solution was given.. the world donated millions just like that... for a building... we are being faced with genocide and nothing is being done.

— K1. (@KelvynOdejoke) October 20, 2020

There is a massacre happening in Lekki. Firing squads mass murdering young people in Nigeria. The world needs to engage #endSARS

— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) October 20, 2020