There are various dimensions to the #ENDSARS protest which the media should be focusing on. Lekan Otufodunrin suggests some possible story ideas for consideration.
Peaceful protests
The protests have been substantially peaceful except for a few incidents where some hoodlums attacked the protesters in some states resulting in some persons being wounded or killed.
What kinds of gatherings have been organised?
Protesters, Police, Soldiers and other security agents have collaborated to ensure peaceful gatherings.
Violence
What kinds of violence have been witnessed during the protests, where and by who?
Victims
Some people have died during the violence due to various reasons, including those killed by stray bullets, reckless drivers, and stampede. Who are they, How were they buried, responses from their families and the government? Some Policemen have also been reported injured or killed. Who are they? And how well are they protected from any possible attack?
Arrested
Some protesters have been arrested by the Police and released following pressure mounted by the protesters and representation by lawyers. Who are they? How were they arrested, what happened to them while in detention?
Missing persons
Some protesters have been declared missing and suspected to have been arrested with no trace of where they are detained. Who are they? Any information about them before they went missing?
Organisation/Coordination
Though the protest is said to be leaderless, there are some persons coordinating various aspects. Who are they? What are they doing to ensure effective coordination and how are they doing it?
Fund/Resource Raising
Millions of naira and other resources have been contributed through various means. How much has been contributed, through what means? What support are being offered by who and which organisations?
Diaspora
The protest is not limited to Nigeria. In which other countries are the protests being held and by who? What is the manner of protests? What response are they getting?
National Coverage
How widespread is the protest across the country? In what cities, towns and locations are the protests being held? How are the protests different in each location? Ant- #ENDSARS protests have been held in some states. Where and what is their own message?
False Reports
There have been some false reports and claims during the protests. Which claims are false? What is the true situation of things about the reports?
Use of Social media
The social media, especially Twitter have been used as a means of coordination by the protesters. How is it being used? What are the major hashtags? What kinds of contents are being shared? How well are the posts doing?
Show of love
Some persons have received unexpected support during the protests like the groundnut seller who had a huge amount donated for her, people who got their stolen items replaced, monetary support for those in need, the supply of food, water and more. They need to be highlighted.
Government Responses
The federal and state governments have been responding to the demands of the protesters. What have been the style of engagements of government officials, what demands have been met, which ones have not?
Suggestions for Police Reforms
The thrust of the protest is the demand for the reformation of the Police Force and end stoppage of brutality. What are the suggestions to reform the police and other security arms in the country?
In-fighting
There have been disagreements among some groups and individuals involved in the protest. What are the issues of contention? How are they being resolved? How is it affecting the campaign?
Divergent views about the protest
There are divergent views about the protest. Not everyone shares the same view about the demonstration and approach. Opinion also differs on how to end the protest. What are the shades of opinion?
