Nigerian Community health worker flees country over brutality, threats

A 32-year-old Nigerian Community health worker, Rachael Anuoluwapo Oliyide has reportedly fled Nigeria alleging that she consistently experienced repeated abuse and threats from law enforcement authorities.

Born and raised in Lagos, Oliyide has over 11 years of experience as a nursing officer at Blooming Care Hospital in Alakuko, Lagos, and studied at the College of Health Technology, Foreign Link Campus, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Her troubles began during the nationwide #EndSARS protests on October 20, 2020, which targeted the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for its record of harassment, extortion, and violence against citizens.

Following her participation in a protest in Dopemu, Agege, she was reportedly arrested, detained beyond the constitutionally permitted period, and subjected to physical abuse and deprivation.

Oliyide later joined another protest on August 8, 2024, addressing economic mismanagement and governance failures.

Authorities reportedly responded with further violence, detaining her for several days during which she endured severe abuse and ongoing threats to her life and that of her family.

Faced with persistent threats and the inability to secure protection in Nigeria, Oliyide fled the country.