End SARS: Rihanna says her 'heart is broken for Nigeria' after reports police opened fire on protesters
Singer reacted after Amnesty International said it has received ‘credible reports’ of deaths resulting from violence against protesters in Lagos
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rihanna has said her “heart is broken for Nigeria” after reports emerged that soldiers had opened fire on a group of peaceful #EndSARS protesters in Lagos.
The Barbadian singer led the celebrity reaction to the incident, which took place in the evening of 20 October.
Amnesty International said it had received credible reports of deaths resulting from “excessive use of force” on protesters gathering at the Lekki Toll Gate area of Lagos State.
A witness told the BBC he had counted around 20 bodies and at least 50 people injured.
Video broadcast on Nigeria’s Channels TV appeared to capture audio of shots being fired at the scene.
Authorities in Lagos said the state government had ordered an investigation into the incident.
Reports of deaths came just hours after Lagos state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu warned the growing protests against police brutality had “degenerated into a monster that is threatening the well-being of our society”.
The protests began two weeks ago after a video circulated showing a man being beaten, apparently by police officers of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, known as SARS.
“I can’t bear to see this torture and brutalisation that is continuing to affect nations across our planet,” Rihanna said in a post on social media.
“It is such a betrayal to the citizens, the very people put in place to protect are the ones we are most afraid of being murdered by. My heart is broken for Nigeria. It is unbearable to watch.”
She also praised Nigerians for the courage in the face of violence and brutality.
“I’m so proud of your strength and for not letting up on the fight for what is right. #EndSARS,” she said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments