UK ASSURES NIGERIANS OF SAFETY AMID RIOTS

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Following anti-immigration riots, Nigerians residing in the UK have been reassured of their safety by Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria.

Montgomery gave the assurance on Wednesday while meeting with the CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja.

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.

Below is the press release:

PRESS RELEASE

BRITISH ENVOY ASSURES OF SAFETY OF NIGERIANS IN THE UK, AS HE MEETS NIDCOM BOSS

Abuja: August 7, 2024.@UKinNigeria @NIUKCommunity @NigeriaGov @AjuriNgelale @abikedabiri @channelstv @BBCAfrica @tvcnewsng @ARISEtv @AIT_Online @SaharaReporters @DOlusegun @NIDOUKS pic.twitter.com/JHYcKanPaC

— Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (@nidcom_gov) August 7, 2024

The riots were triggered by the deaths of three schoolgirls, 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.