It Was Like I Was in a Forest Just to Get Out of Nigeria — DJ Switch Says as She Speaks from Exile (VIDEO)

The recent #EndSARS protests have come, and gone, but the ripples created are yet to settle. With Central Bank of Nigeria’s freezing of accounts of those who took part in the protest to denying them access to leave Nigeria, one cannot but say the battle isn’t over yet. Despite human right activists’ condemnation, and constant warning, Nigerian goverment continues to clampdown on #EndSARS protesters.

One of the scores of Lekki shooting survivors is a popular songwriter, musician, and Disc Jockey, Obianuju Catherine Udeh professionally known as DJ Switch has persistently alleged dastard roles Nigerian soldiers and police play on that bloodbath night dubbed ‘Black Tuesday night’ at Lekki Toll Gate. Initially, the Nigerian army spokesperson denied presence of its men on the alleged night tagging it as fake news.

Added to that is the statement of Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami who said the presence of hoodlums might not be ruled out.

However, as Lagos Panel of Inquiry began its investigation into what happened on the ill-fated night, the Nigerian army which hitherto denied their involvement has now agreed some of its men were present. In an unknown land, DJ Switch has finally testified before an international human rights committee on what happened on that night at Lekki.

When asked to give his narrative of what happened at Lekki on Tuesday night of 20/10/20, she said: we were able to hold our grounds and then the military left, after which a commandant came, and we got his name. 

I think they must have just realized that they were a lot of people watching what was going on. Then about fourty-five, fifty minutes later, police came and did the same thing. And they actually killed people that is just to wrap it up as quickly as possible.

Speaking on the impact of cyber crime act in Nigeria and how it impacts advocacy, DJ Switch said with regard to cyber crime in Nigeria, yes, it is a problem. Just like I said, Nigerians are very hard-working. We have this survival instinct at every level. There is this desperate needs to survive. I am not excusing that act. It is criminal. But all I am saying is something led to something. And there is not enough sensitization, there is not enough education for people to understand what they can you their skills for. It is a broad scope and something that needs to be addressed. There are intelligent people in Nigeria who don’t use it for anything, but do criminal things online.

Responding to a question on how life has been for her since Lekki Massacre, she said: I have been on the move because it was two days after my life. The first threat came in, I felt it was a joke. I thought it was a joke when I was on my way home. I have been on the streets for two days straight. But just as I was leaving, because some of my colleagues in the industry, as I am, tried to get me out of the hospital. I was sort of vouching for one of the boys that was taken there. He was shot in the leg by the policemen, and just as I left, I got a phone call telling me I should please leave the vicinity. That there were military men at the hospital. I think they got that information when I was thanking the manager of that hospital for treating us for free. 

So, I had to abandon my home. I moved from people’s homes at different places. I stayed in people’s properties they haven’t lived in for long time just to get out of Nigeria. And I made some videos of my trips just to get to where I am today, and I am still travelling. I am not even done with my trip. It was like I was in a forest just to get out of Nigeria.

When I put a cotton bud on my left ear I still bleed. The picture of that as well I have been trying to document everything. I barely sleep. It is crazy and can’t imagine what parents who can’t find their kids now are going through because they have moved bodies. 

Watch full interview here:

What are your reactions on this?

Kindly drop your comments on this.