UK reassures Nigerians on safety amidst unrest

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has assured the Nigerian diaspora in the United Kingdom of their safety following recent unrest in various cities across the country.

Montgomery gave the assurance during a meeting with the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Montgomery, in a statement signed by one of the media and Public Relations Unit staff members of the commission, Gabriel Odu, on Wednesday addressed concerns about the disturbances affecting 12 towns in the UK.

He revealed that the UK government was implementing measures to restore order, including the establishment of a special task force of 60 courts with police and legal operatives to tackle the criminal activities linked to the unrest.

Montgomery emphasised the UK’s commitment to being an inclusive and tolerant society, reaffirming that the country will not accept discrimination or attacks against any community.

The British High Commissioner stated that the government is also taking steps to address online incitement and misinformation.

“We will not as a country accept discrimination or attacks against any community,” he was quoted to have said.

The statement noted that Montgomery reported that around 430,000 Nigerian visa applications were successful this year. He advised applicants to apply directly and be cautious of using agents.

Dabiri-Erewa commended the UK government for its swift response and noted that, to date, no Nigerians have been reported harmed or affected by the disturbances.

She reiterated the importance of the travel advisory issued by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and advised Nigerians in the UK to remain vigilant and cautious.

The meeting also included British Deputy High Commissioner Gill Lever, First Secretary Political Natalie Palmer, and staff members from NIDCOM.

Countries including Nigeria, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and Canada have warned their citizens against travelling to the United Kingdom following violent riots across the country.

According to Reuters, the unrest began after a knife attack at a children’s dance class in Southport, northwest England, last Monday, which resulted in the deaths of three girls and injuries to ten others.

The incident has sparked widespread protests fueled by misinformation suggesting the attacker was an immigrant and radical Islamist. However, police confirmed that the suspect, born in Britain, is not being treated as a terrorist.

Foreign media reported that more than 420 arrests have been made as social media-fueled riots spread across the UK. In one instance, a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham, near Sheffield, was petrol-bombed, leading to clashes with police and injuries to ten riot officers.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed to do “whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice” as he addressed the nation on Sunday.