The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has assured the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom of their safety following recent unrest in various cities.
Montgomery conveyed this assurance during a meeting with the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Montgomery stated, “We will not, as a country, accept discrimination or attacks against any community.”
He emphasized the UK’s commitment to maintaining an inclusive and tolerant society. The High Commissioner revealed that the UK government is taking several measures to restore order, including the formation of a special task force comprising 60 courts with police and legal operatives to tackle the criminal activities linked to the unrest.
According to Montgomery, the UK is also addressing online incitement and misinformation that have contributed to the disturbances affecting 12 towns. He highlighted the success of around 430,000 Nigerian visa applications this year, advising applicants to apply directly and avoid using agents.
Dabiri-Erewa praised the UK government for its swift response to the unrest.
She noted that, “so far, 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 included British Deputy High Commissioner Gill Lever, First Secretary Political Natalie Palmer, and staff members from NiDCOM.
Dabiri-Erewa noted, “The unrest in the UK began after a knife attack at a children’s dance class in Southport, northwest England, resulted in the deaths of three girls and injuries to 10 others. The incident sparked widespread protests fueled by misinformation suggesting the attacker was an immigrant and radical Islamist. However, police confirmed that the suspect, who was born in Britain, is not being treated as a terrorist.
“More than 420 arrests have been made as social media-fueled riots spread across the UK. In one incident, a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham, near Sheffield, was petrol-bombed, leading to clashes with police and injuries to ten riot officers.”
Countries including Nigeria, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and Canada have issued travel warnings to their citizens about traveling to the UK due to the violent riots.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the nation on Sunday, vowing to do “whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice.”
The UK government remains committed to restoring peace and ensuring the safety of all communities.