The EndSARS protests have been one of the trying times in the lives of Nigerian youths. Their quest to protest against brutality met them with further brutality by the Nigerian government. The Lekki Toll gate massacre on October 20, 2020 will forever remain in the hearts of everyone; it will be a part of our history. Many persons are still finding it hard to overcome the emotional trauma of that day.
Asido foundation has given out nine tips that can help individuals enhance their emotional well being.
They are as follows:
1. Stop watching distressing news, videos, and photos.
2. Filter your sources of information to credible sources only
3. You may need to switch off your phones and gadgets for sometime or have regulated times to go though.
4. Do not panic: It is normal to be afraid. But stay calm. This will pass.
5. Engage in hobbies that help you relax and makes you happy.
6. Don’t bottle up your feelings. Talk about how you are feeling.
7. Ensure that you are talking to someone you trust and who has your back.
8. Majority of our worst fears will never materialize. So, name and identify your fears.
9. Stay active: Exercise, enjoy fresh air within the comfort of your home. If you are still having emotional distress, speak to a mental health professional or put a call across to 09028080416.
Notable Reactions to the Lekki Toll Gate massacre
In his statement on the murder of peaceful protesters by soldiers at the Lekki Toll gate, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo tweeted, ‘’My heart goes out to all victims of the Lekki shootings and also the policemen and all other men and women who lost their lives in the past few days in a different part of Lagos and other states.
‘’I spoke to some of those in hospital. The pain of these terrible events is palpable in our towns and cities, and some losses are irreplaceable, but we can and will get justice for all of them. I stand with Lagos and all other affected states in these trying times. We pray we will never see a repeat of these tragedies in Jesus’ name. God bless you all. –YO’’
Meanwhile, General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God also reacted to the sad event. He said. ‘’I condemn in the strongest possible terms, attacks launched by the Nigerian military on unarmed young people, who have been peacefully protesting police brutality over the last 12 days as #EndSARS protest.
‘’I am confounded that prior that prior to the sad events at the #LekkiTollGate, the Nigerian Police failed to arrest the weapon-bearing hoodlums who were attacking the well-organized and non-violent #EndSARS protesters.
‘’The condemnable actions of the military risks driving the agitations of the young people underground, thereby making the situation unmanageable. I call on the Federal Government to thoroughly investigate the tragic events at Lekki and other parts of the country, give justice to all victims even as it engages the #EndSARS protesters to reach a common agreement to end police brutality.
‘’I am also appealing to the Youths to allow peace reign and stop any form of action that would give the military any other form of excuse to attack. May the peace of God come upon our nation, now more than ever in Jesus name (Amen).’’
Apostle Johnson Suleman also made a tweet on the sad event. He said, ‘’God will reply everyone that pulled a trigger today…down to their fourth generation…it won’t go unattended to..’’
On October 22, President Muhammadu Buhari gave a live broadcast on the ongoing events in the country. It is paramount to note that His Excellency did not made mention of the Lekki Toll gate massacre. Nigerians felt dissatisfied and ere not unhappy that lives are not valued in this regime.
Nevertheless, some persons are hopeful that the challenges of the country are only for a while. It is only a matter of time that the people will see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Hence, the most important thing presently is to look out for your emotional well being with the tips provide by Asido foundation. Nigeria shall be great again, hopefully.
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