#EndSARS protesters render commuters, motorists stranded in Abuja

Protesters demanding the dismantling of the notorious Nigerian Police Force unit, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) have continued with protest nationwide, despite assurances from the police high command and the Federal Government to yield to their demand.

The protesters who have promised to keep up their campaign on Monday evening barricaded the popular Berger Roundabout at the heart of the nation’s capital rendering thousands of commuters and motorists stranded.

The protesters came out in numbers seeking justice for victims of police brutality and an overhaul of the security apparatus.

Thousands of residents who left their offices and business places at close of work could not pass the roundabout which is a link to various destinations in and outside the city waiting for hours at bus stops in the city.

Vehicles coming from Area 1 axis were forced to reverse and take alternative routes, just as those coming from Karimo, Jabi and Utako, heading to Wise, Central Business District and to satellite towns outside the Federal Capital City were also held up in a chaotic traffic jam.

Sparked by the alleged killing of a man by an officer in southern Nigeria, coupled with series of other extra-judicial killings allegedly linked to the SARS, thousands of people this week took to the streets across the country to protest against police brutality and demand the complete abolition of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Many more used the #EndSARS hashtag online to share stories alleging extortion, torture, disappearances and even murders at the hands of members of the squad.

After days of  protests, which sometimes turned violent, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, said in a statement on Sunday, said SARS had been dissolved “in response to the yearnings of the Nigerian people.