Riots: British Envoy Assures Safety Of Nigerians In UK

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, has assured that Nigerians in the United Kingdom are safe and secure amid the protests that erupted in some UK cities.

Montgomery gave the assurance during a meeting with the Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja.

A statement by the spokesman of NiDCOM, Gabriel Odu noted that a total of 12 British towns were affected by the disorder.

The British envoy to Nigeria, however, assured the Nigerian Community in the UK that the Government was doing everything possible to restore calm and normalcy to the affected communities.

He said that the Government had set up 60 special courts comprising the UK Police and Legal operatives to look into the criminal disorder.

The envoy stated that over 400 people have so far been arrested in connection with the disorder, expressing optimism that the UK system would sort things out very soon.

He emphasised that the UK is home to people of different countries and races and would remain liberal to qualified persons to live, school, and work.

Montgomery also stressed that the UK would seek justice against those who incited hatred and disinformation through the online channels.

According to the High Commissioner, “We will not, as a country, accept discrimination or attacks against any community”.

He further informed that about 430,000 visa applications by Nigerians were successful this year, while advising visa applicants to apply by themselves and be circumspect of agents.

For her part, the NiDCOM boss acknowledged that no Nigerian has died or affected by the unrest in the UK so far.

Hon Dabiri-Erewa stressed that NiDCOM is in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in London, the Diaspora and student groups and none have reported any casualty to date.

She applauded the UK Government for its timely interventions, particularly the arrests made so far.

She reminded Nigerians of the travel advisory from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and advised them to stay safe and remain vigilant about their surroundings, especially during this period.