For weeks, the people of Nigeria have been courageously protesting from Abuja to Lagos, demanding an end to the killing, unlawful arrests, torture, sexual violence, and other harm caused by law enforcement across the country. 

On Tuesday, October 20th, Nigerian forces opened fire on protestors, killing multiple people and adding to the dozens who have already been shot and killed over the course of the demonstrations. We won’t stand by as more Black people are killed with impunity.

The reason Black people in Nigeria are demanding an end to SARS is the same reason Black people in the United States are demanding the defunding of police. The epidemic of police violence against Black people in a country led by Black faces proves what we have time and time again — violence imposed by law enforcement is about more than a few bad apples, the institution itself is irredeemable and exists to use violence to maintain a false sense of order in an unequal and unjust society. 

We join others around the world in demanding the Nigerian government end the attack on protestors and we call for justice for those who have been injured and killed by all Nigerian forces. We also echo the demands of our Nigerian siblings and demand:

Black people in Nigeria come from a powerful legacy of courage and resistance. This moment calls on Black people around the world to stand in solidarity with people in Nigeria as they demand an end to the violence caused by Nigerian forces. We know that in a world where harm from law enforcement still reigns, and the vestiges of colonialism are still palpable, we must stand together while calling for an end to the very systems that are responsible for our suffering. 

It is with this understanding that we condemn the current atrocities in Nigeria and recommit ourselves to a transnational struggle for a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.

We are one movement, one people, and we stand with the people of Nigeria. 

With love and solidarity 

The Movement for Black Lives