UK riots: Envoy assures Nigerians of safety, says situation under control

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

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

After the incident, misinformation had spread that the suspected attacker was an immigrant and a radical Islamist, which led the protests to be seized by anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim groups.

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

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

According to a statement issued by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) on Wednesday, Montgomery said 12 British towns were affected by the disorder.

The high commissioner told Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM CEO, that authorities are on top of the situation and are doing everything possible to restore calm and normalcy to the affected communities.

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.

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

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

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