Nigerians criticise govt’s UK travel warning amid local unrest

In light of the recent riots in the United Kingdom, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, released a statement cautioning that extra care should be taken by anyone who had plans to travel to the UK.

The statement, which was signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Eche Abu-Obehas, read, “There is an increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK, stemming from the killing of three young girls at a concert (sic). The violence has assumed dangerous proportions, as evidenced by reported attacks on law enforcement agents and damage to infrastructure.

“To this end, citizens are advised to be extra vigilant and take measures as follows— avoid political processions and protests, rallies or marches. Avoid crowded areas and large gatherings. Be vigilant and self-aware at all times. Demonstrations by far-right and other extra-parliamentary groups in parts of the UK in recent weeks have been large and, in some instances, unruly.

“These disturbances have only been aggravated by the unfortunate deaths of the three girls, spawning an anti-immigration narrative with particular emphasis on targeting Muslim immigrants or persons of colour.”

However, many Nigerians have criticised the statement, accusing the government of playing the ostrich while the country was engulfed in the #EndBadGovernance protests.

A netizen, The_real_localman, wrote, “This is extremely funny. No death has occurred as a result of the riots in a few places in the UK, but you are issuing travel advice. Whereas right under your nose, over 2/3 of the states in Nigeria are rioting and at least 13 deaths have occurred so far. If you care about the safety of Nigerians, you should look within.”

Using Biblical reference, i.am_pauli wrote, “Typical case of trying to remove the spec of from your neighbour’s eyes while a log of wood is in yours.”

Winosa5 also wrote, “Government thinks people will seriously pause plans to travel because of riots in the UK, compared to the supposed luxury of living in Nigeria.”