I have always wondered why many
people travel to Nigeria and they often have armed security escort. My friends
often tease me that the day I enter Nigeria, the police will humble me very
quick. This is simply because of the way I carry myself and the image it connotes.
I have been removed from my beloved country for over 20 years so I will stand
out. When I tell my parents I want to go to Nigeria with my friends during the
“I Just Got Back” times or “Dutty December” a fear comes over them because even
in the states I stay out very late and I am always out. They will simply tell
ask me what you are going to do, then shut me down with let us go together.
Earlier
this year I read the chilling account of a very dear friend and how he broke
down being kidnapped by police officers and detailed because he fit the profile
of a scammer. My guy had 2 phones and he looked like a scammer. This was months
before I was planning to even go. Reading the account, I started to think to
myself and the same fear my parents have for me came over me. I always carry 2
phones which is a practice I have been doing for years now, I walk around like
I own everything, lastly, I grew up in NY where we don’t take anything from
anyone.
End
Sars is more than just a movement, it is more than just a fight for peace, it
is a cry for help for the people. Imagine walking out of your house everyday
hoping police officers doesn’t stop you because they want money. I have been
pulled over in NY and I was able to somewhat talk myself out of situations. I
have been pulled over in Austin Texas, and I thought I was done for. But I am
here today writing saying being stopped by police officers in Nigeria is the
true definition of life and death. I have seen numerous reports on social media
outlets where these so-called officers just start firing into the crowd. A lot
of people often tell me they want to go to Nigeria, and I will be first to tell
them please don’t go. A police checkpoint in Nigeria is now a death sentence.
The police force has become Judge, Jury, and Executioner. That way of life must
be stopped.
Don’t
turn a blind eye to this, I would like to finally go back to Nigeria and not fear
for my life. When I am out and about in the states my parents will often call
me to see where I am or when I will be home. I don’t even want to start that
phone tag game when I am in Nigeria because not picking up can mean so many
horrible things.
-Wale