City Students Union stands in solidarity with our Nigerian brothers and sisters against the human rights abuses and police brutality being committed by the Nigerian police force, particularly the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). We condemn the actions of the Nigerian government, especially the infringing on the people’s right to protest by using violence and brutality and the active targeting of Nigerian youth.

Over the past 2 weeks, Nigerians have been protesting peacefully, demanding for the disbandment of the notorious SARS police unit. SARS was founded in 1992 to combat cases of armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes. But SARS has become an oppressive force, beating, murdering and abusing the human rights of the people of Nigeria. 

We join our voices to the demand to end police brutality, gratuitous violence and colonial disregard for human lives. We stand by the Nigerian people as agents of systemic change.

To our Nigerian students, we understand that this is a very difficult period and you are hurting. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. We are here for you. We stand with you and by you. If you need support, consider the following support services:

1. Mental health and counselling links
2. https://studenthub.city.ac.uk/help-and-support/mental-health-counselling/access-to-counselling
3. General support services (internal & external)
4. https://www.citystudents.co.uk/advice/support-services/

Signed,
Shaima Dallali, VP Community and Wellbeing
Ruqaiyah Javaid, VP Education
Saqlain Riaz, President