BUT WHY? SARS Invade Hostel At Night, Open Fire At Students Until This Happened
The Special Anti- Cultism Squad (SACS), formerly known as the disbanded Special Anti- Robbery Squad (SARS) in Anambra State, is facing allegations of invading students’ hostels at night, unlawfully arresting them, and engaging in extortion. The accusations have triggered widespread concern and protests among students of the Federal Polytechnic Oko.
According to multiple student accounts, officers from the squad stormed various lodges, including the Matt City Lodge and the Triple Tree Hotel, on the night of Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The students, who were asleep at the time, were shocked when the operatives broke into their rooms, accused them of being ” thieves, ” and forcefully took them into custody.
One student shared the harrowing experience:
” We were asleep when we suddenly heard loud bangs on our doors. At first, we thought they were armed robbers because of how violently they broke in. But when they stormed into the rooms, we realized they were armed men claiming to be policemen. They arrested us without any explanation and took us to the station. ”
Reports suggest that those who were able to pay money for their release were let go, while others, unable to afford the alleged bribes, remain in custody.
This is not the first time students at the institution have faced such traumatic experiences. The December 10 raid was reportedly one of several similar incidents this month. Students claim that SACS operatives have raided hostels on multiple occasions, leaving them living in constant fear.
The Federal Polytechnic Oko’ s media platform released a report on the issue, stating:
” The Federal Polytechnic Oko has recently become the site of unsettling events that have left students in a state of fear and confusion. On December 10, individuals claiming to be from the Special Anti- Cultism Squad of the Nigerian police force broke into the Matt City Lodge at Triple Tree Hotel, where many students were staying, and arrested several innocent individuals in the dead of night. Unfortunately, this was not an isolated incident; reports indicate that similar occurrences have taken place twice this month. ”
In response to the situation, the Student Union Government (SUG) of the Federal Polytechnic Oko has released a statement condemning the actions of the Special Anti- Cultism Squad. The SUG has called on the squad to cease the harassment of students, emphasizing the need to respect their rights and dignity.
Their statement reads in part:
” The continuous invasion of students’ hostels by the Special Anti- Cultism Squad is unacceptable and must stop immediately. We demand that law enforcement operatives adhere to proper procedures and avoid targeting innocent students under the guise of combating crime. ”
The students of Federal Polytechnic Oko are now demanding justice and immediate intervention to ensure their safety. They argue that the actions of the squad have not only violated their rights but also created an environment of fear and distrust on campus.
One student lamented:
” We came here to study, not to be treated like criminals. This constant harassment and extortion must stop. We are appealing to the authorities to take action before things escalate further. ”
As of now, there has been no official response from the Anambra State Police Command regarding the allegations. The silence has further fueled concerns among students and parents about the unchecked actions of the Special Anti- Cultism Squad.
The re- emergence of allegations against police units, reminiscent of the disbanded SARS, highlights lingering issues within law enforcement in Nigeria. While SARS was officially disbanded in 2020 following nationwide protests, reports of similar abuses by rebranded units like the Special Anti- Cultism Squad continue to surface.
The students of Federal Polytechnic Oko are calling for accountability, justice, and an end to what they describe as a blatant abuse of power. The situation serves as a reminder of the urgent need for police reforms to ensure that law enforcement agencies operate within the bounds of the law and respect the rights of citizens.
