Emotions ran high, while tears flowed freely as #EndSARS protesters in Anambra state, last night, Wednesday, October 21st, 2020 held peaceful candlelight memorial processions in Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi, in honour of victims of police brutality.
The event, which is part of the ongoing #EndSARS nationwide movement, offered victims, family members, friends and relatives of victims of police brutality, another opportunity to narrate their chilling stories.
Among them were Rev. Fr. Johnmark Okafor of Awka Catholic Diocese, who said that he was nearly shot by Policemen over mild argument, Ebuka Iloanya, who said his only brother, Chijioke, has not been seen for the past eight years after he was last seen at SARS office in Awkuzu, and Onyeka Okeke, who said he was in his undergraduate years at UNIZIK, when Policemen unlawfully arrested and detained him and others for days at Awkuzu without arraignment.
Others are Seibota Minabai, who said his friend, Linda, was killed by the Police a day to the end of her national youth service, and Miss Brenda Okoli, who said her elder brother, Johnpaul, was shot by Policemen from CPS Onitsha and ignored to bleed profusely, leading to death.
They thanked all for their solidarity, noting that the ongoing nationwide movement is for the good of present and future generations, even as they urged citizens to use the power of ballots to enthrone leaders with the interest of the masses at heart.
While calling for restraint in seeking justice for selves and victims of Police brutality, another priest of Awka Catholic diocese, Rev. Fr. Jude Barnaby and Pastor Obi Ogbo, of Garden of Grace Church, Awka, said injustice to one is injustice to all, expressing hope that the ongoing struggle will lead to a new Nigeria.