UK assures Nigerians of safety amid riots

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has assured Nigerians in the UK of their safety following anti-immigration riots.

Montgomery gave the assurance today while meeting with the CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja, reports Channels TV.

The High Commissioner and envoy indicated that 12 British towns were affected by the riots.

Protests first broke out late last month, after an anti-immigrant misinformation campaign stoked outrage over a stabbing attack that left three children dead in Southport, northern England.

The riots were triggered by the death of three school girls, aged between six and nine, from a knife attack.

According to videos shared on social media, large groups attempted to hijack cars driven by suspected immigrants, while other riot groups attacked a hotel used to house asylum seekers in Rotherham.

400 Arrested

The envoy said more than 400 persons have been arrested in connection with the disorder, while 60 special courts, comprising the UK police and legal operatives, have been set up to look into the situation.

He assured the NiDCOM boss that the UK authorities are on top of the situation and are doing everything possible to restore calm and normalcy to the affected communities.

To Montgomery, the UK is home to people of different nationalities and races and will remain liberal to qualified persons to live, school, and work.

On her part, Dabiri-Erewa said no reports of harmed Nigerians have been received and thanked the UK for their cooperation.

She also reminded Nigerians of the UK travel advisory and urged compatriots in the diaspora to stay safe.

Liverpool, Bristol, and Manchester — cities with large numbers of foreign students — have also been affected by the protests.