UK Assures Safety of Nigerians Amidst Widespread Unrest

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has assured Nigerians living in the UK of their safety amid recent unrest in various cities. Montgomery gave this reassurance during a meeting with Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.

In a statement released by Gabriel Odu of the commission’s media and Public Relations Unit, Montgomery addressed the concerns about disturbances in 12 UK towns. He stated that the UK government is taking steps to restore order, including creating a special task force of 60 courts with police and legal operatives to combat the criminal activities linked to the unrest.

Montgomery emphasized the UK’s commitment to being an inclusive and tolerant society, affirming that the country will not tolerate discrimination or attacks against any community. He also mentioned efforts to curb online incitement and misinformation.

“We will not, as a country, accept discrimination or attacks against any community,” Montgomery stated.

He also revealed that approximately 430,000 Nigerian visa applications were successful this year and advised applicants to apply directly and be wary of using agents.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa commended the UK government for its swift response and noted that no Nigerians had been reported harmed or affected by the disturbances so far. She reiterated the importance of the travel advisory from 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 NiDCOM staff members.

Several countries, including Nigeria, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and Canada, have issued warnings against traveling to the UK due to violent riots. The unrest began after a knife attack at a children’s dance class in Southport, northwest England, which resulted in the deaths of three girls and injuries to ten others. Misleading information suggested the attacker was an immigrant and radical Islamist, but the police confirmed that the suspect, born in Britain, is not being treated as a terrorist.

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

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to do “whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice” in a recent address to the nation.