Popcaan, Kranium Show Support For Nigerians Against SARS
Dancehall artistes Popcaan and Kranium are among those who have expressed their support for the people of Nigeria as they protest police brutality in their country.
SARS, the Special Anti Robbery Squad, based in that country, has come under heavy pressure recently, amid accusations of unwarranted acts of aggression by the law enforcement unit against mostly young men. The protests have transitioned to the point of global outcry and several celebrities have expressed their support for the Nigerian people.
Popcaan took to his Instagram account on Tuesday to share a prayerful message for his many fans in Nigeria, assuring them that he was aware of their plight.
“To my fans in Nigeria I just want all of you to know that my prayers are with you during this tough time, keep the faith and stay strong, prayers up for my Nigerian brothers and sisters,” the Bullet Proof singer said.
Fellow Dancehall act Kranium also expressed his support for the people of Nigeria and called for persons to not be silent on the matter.
“We are humans and we all share earth together! Do not be silent do not be afraid the Internet is here for us to get news faster than ever please pay attention and bring awareness to what you believe and stand for with that said I STAND WITH THE PEOPLE IN NIGERIA #EndSARS,” Kranium said on Twitter on October 9.
We are humans and we all share earth together ! Do not be silent do not be afraid the Internet is here for us to get news faster than ever please pay attention and bring awareness to what you believe and stand for with that said I STAND WITH THE PEOPLE IN NIGERIA 🇳🇬 #EndSARS
— Kranium (@therealkranium) October 9, 2020
Another major voice calling for change is Morgan Heritage who called it a sad situation.
“Saw this tragedy on our brother Davido page and it saddens our heart. In a time where police brutality and senseless violence against humanity is being amplified globally, we stand in solidarity with our people in Nigeria. We need equality and justice, not unwarranted extreme violence from law enforcement,” the group tweeted.
Saw this tragedy on our brother @davido page and it saddens our heart. In a time where police brutality and senseless violence against humanity is being amplified globally, we stand in solidarity with our people in #Nigeria. We need equality and justice! 💚💛❤️
.#EndSARS pic.twitter.com/DBvCn9K8fr— MORGAN HERITAGE (@morganheritage) October 10, 2020
These messages are especially poignant as Jamaican music is quite popular on the continent and these artistes have developed large followings having participated in tours across the region.
Protests continue across Nigeria and residents remain adamant that a change must come. SARS has been accused of over eighty cases of torture, ill-treatment, and extrajudicial killings between 2017 and 2020, according to the BBC.
Recently released footage of officers pulling two men out of an hotel in Lagos and shooting one is said to be responsible for the latest round of protests.
Other celebrities including Nigerian singers WizKid and Davido, and American entertainers Kanye Wayne, Trey Songz, and actor John Boyega have also taken up the cause, with the hashtag #EndSARS trending globally.