Terrible things are happening in Nigeria. Like in most other parts of the world, despots are using state violence to supress protest and dissent. Here is what one Nigerian friend told me last night:

"Just yesterday, the army massacred over 70 unarmed youths whose only offense was to protest peacefully.... as if that was not enough, before the army was deployed, they sent in government officials to dismantle all cctv cameras so as to hide evidence. None of the government officials or the president is speaking, the media houses in Nigeria are not carrying the news, they’ve been paid off by the government to keep shut. It’s basically a genocide. They even sent in thugs to kill the protesters.

It’s really bad... people are dying on the streets as I type... they’ve deployed snipers and heavily armed army officials to shoot and kill on sight and yet they deny knowing anything. They steal our tax money and use it to buy luxury houses abroad. The corruption is just too much. Since they don’t want the protest to expose how fraudulent and evil they are, they’ve resorted to violence... lots of young people have died."

We Indians do not know much about Nigeria. That is our misfortune. It is the largest country in Africa by GDP and population. It has a large, educated, aspirational and young population, that speaks English fluently. Their young people are fearless and articulate when speaking their minds. If we could only rise above our racism driven by the colour of people's skin. I have Nigerians friends, and I have done business with Nigeria. Absolutely wonderful, kind, loving people.

What is happening there could happen here tomorrow. We need to show solidarity, extend help, watch and learn.

I'm adding some pics in the comments. Do see.