It has been about a week since the nationwide protests began in Nigeria. The impact has been felt all over the world, evident in the number of international support the protest has received. The youth of Nigeria has had enough of police brutality, injustice and the failed systems of the nation and have decided to express themselves with series of peaceful protests. While the protest has been peaceful with no incident of violence, vandalization of public properties it has not been without sacrifice. The series of attacks experienced from the Pro SARS protesters and other thugs have left the protesters more reason to mourn and despair due to the loss of more of their comrades.
Yesterday, October 17 2020 however was a wakeup call, a reminder and an honorary event to mark the sacrifices of the fallen heroes. Those who had lost their lives as a result of the SARS division. The event which happened all across the nation both online and offline was filled with emotions as people were seen crying and reliving their experiences at the hands of brutal police officers. It was also a reminder of what is wrong and needs to be fixed in the country.
The candlelight’s ceremony which served as a way to honour the dead not only did that but also ignited fires in the hearts of so many. Anger in the hearts of others and strength in the hearts of many more. The sacrifices of the departed will not be in vain, the battle for a better future has just begun and the youth of Nigeria will not relent.
Simon John, Jimoh Isaiq, Chinedu Obi, Chiebuka Anams, Ifeoma Abugu, Tiyamiu Kazeem, Christine Ugwuoke, Tina Ezekwe, Friederik, Solomon Eze, Ayomide Taiwo, Godspower Edoha, Kolade Johnson, Chima, Emmanuel Egbo, Modebayo Awosika, Godsgidt Ferguson, Chinedu Ani, Tony Oruama, Linda Igwetu, Precious Anama, Anita Akapson, Chijioke Iloanya, Femi Bello, Harry Ataria, Peter ofunrun. These are some of the names that will never be forgotten, some of the names whose lives are the foundation in which the revolution of this nation shall rest upon.
Remember them.
Remember their names.
For our fallen heroes.
Remember their names.
The ones whose names you are familiar with and
The ones whose names we don’t even know.
Remember.
For the lives that could have been.
And the lives that were cut short, remember.
For the future that we desire and for the future that we deserve.
Remember.
For the anger that you feel.
For the pain that has been.
For the anguish and sorrow.
For the fear that yesterday and today would rob off into tomorrow.
Remember.
For the tears and the blood.
Please remember.
We mustn’t let their sacrifices be in vain.
Remember their names and the great and grand future we all hope to gain.
Remember.