Following several forms of brutality, including; killings, harassments and assaults constantly being meted out to young Nigerians by the Special anti-robbery squad;SARS (a unit within the Nigerian Police Force), the youths took to the streets beginning on Thursday the 15th of September 2020 to protest for the nigerian government to disband the unit. These protests have so far been peaceful in nature but taking a cue from what happened to protesters in Abuja and seeing as the protests for good reason are not ending soon, this week’s newsletter will give you information on how to be safe during a protest.
- WHAT TO DO
- Plan Ahead: If you decide to attend any of the many protests ongoing all over the country, please plan for the worst case scenario. Make sure your friends and family are aware that you are at a protest and you send them your location as it changes.
- Document: While at the protest, if you can, make sure to film, take pictures and document police actions and brutality. Also the actions of the protesters for legitimacy in the future.
- Be extremely vigilant and look out for other protesters.
- WHAT NOT TO DO
- If you can help it, do not go alone. Go with a group of friends or people who know you. If you have to go alone, make friends at the protest ground and move in groups.
- Don’t forget to eat food and drink lots of water before going for the protest. You will be exerted physically. So to avoid fainting, please eat before you leave home.
- Do not wear contact lenses. Fashion or recommended. Contact lenses can trap chemicals or melt if it comes in contact with tear gas which can lead to blindness. If you have sight issues, wear your glasses instead.
- Do not wear jewelry, lose hair or things that can be grabbed.
- WHAT TO WEAR
- Wear comfortable protective running shoes.
- Wear a face mask or a gas mask if you can get access to one.
- Wear sunscreen.
- Wear shades or a hat to protect you from the sun.
- Wear loose and comfortable clothing.
- Wear plain colours to avoid anything that could mark you out. Preferably black.
- WHAT TO BRING
- Bring cash and a debit card.
- Bring snacks and a plastic bottle of water to drink.
- Bring a basic first aid kit.
- Bring wet wipes and tissue paper.
- Bring a valid means of identification.
- If asmatic, bring along your inhaler and ventolin to refill.
- DEALING WITH TEARGAS
- Bring milk or a spray bottle of water and baking soda to spritz on your face in case teargas is released.
- Blow your nose, rinse your mouth, cough and spit. Try not to swallow.
- Do not rub it in. This will increase irritation.
- Try your best to stay calm, remember it is only temporary
- Try to run as far away from the fumes as possible
- If you can, help other protesters who seem to be lagging behind get away.
We are proud of all of our youths of Nigeria for taking a stand against this brutal oppression. We are united and we will win! #ENDSARSNOW #ENDPOLICEBRUTALITY.
Have a great week!