#EndSARS Protest Changes Gear In Warri As Protesters Root Against SWAT

The EndSARS protest tailored to campaign against brute policing on Wednesday changed gear in Warri, Delta state as hundreds of protesters floored the street protesting against the newly announced Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit.

The protesters, practically shut down the twin city of Warri and Effurun, chanting “enough is enough” of police brutality.

As early as 8am the protesters were all over the streets marching from the popular Delta Mall in Effurun Roundabout, through the Effurun-Warri Sapele Road, stopping at Airport, Jakpa, Enerhen and Deco Junctions, down to Estate Roundabout, all in Warri South and Uvwie council areas.

Chanting slogan such as EndSWAT, the newly set up police team, the protesters’ caused heavy gridlock on the ever busy Warri Sapele road. They described SWAT as just another name for the disbanded SARS.

Some motorists and pedestrians who were caught in the procession, gave a nod to the movement, cheering them on.

Some of the inscriptions on placards bore by the protesters reads; “End Police Brutality,” Stop Killing Us,” End SWAT, End SARS,” We said EndSARS, not change them,” I am a filmmaker, I am not a fraudster. Stop harassing me,” among others.

BIGPEN reports that one security operatives who was among others spotted monitoring the exercise, later addressed the crowd, urging them to maintain peace as they protest, assuring that the team of policemen have been deployed to give them security.

Igho Tietie, one of the protesters told newsmen that Nigerians are not satisfied with the disbandment of SARS and establishment of SWAT, hence the continuous protest.

He said “we don’t want SARS or SWAT. What is the difference? What we want is a total overhaul of the Police. We are asking for an end to Police brutality. The disbanded officers should undergo psychological treatment.

“We are also asking the Federal Government to review the salaries of these officers to what their counterparts across the world earn”.

Ask if they do not have confidence in the statements and assurances by the Police hierarchy in regard to curbing the excesses of its men, the protester said “we don’t.

“They have no regard for human lives, they have no regard for constituted authority, the laws that brought them in to work and protect lives, Nigerian lives. They are not upholding that law. Instead we at like sheep for the slaughter. Enough of that!”