Riot: UK Assures Nigerians Of Safety, Arrests 400 Suspects

The Government of United Kingdom through the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, has assured Nigerians living in the United Kingdom (UK) of their safety amidst recent disorder.

Osun Defender recalls that demonstrations in several UK cities escalated during the weekend following a knife attack at a school in Southport that left three children dead.

The attack happened on July 29 during a Taylor Swift event at a dance school.

Misinformation had spread that the suspected attacker was an immigrant and a radical Islamist. The protest was then seized by anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim groups.

However, in a meeting with Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Montgomery emphasised the UK government’s commitment to restoring order, according to a statement released by NIDCOM’s Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit, Gabriel Odu.

“We are doing everything possible to restore calm and normalcy to the affected communities,” Dr. Montgomery said.

He detailed the establishment of 60 special courts, involving UK police and legal operatives, to handle the unrest.

He disclosed that over 400 arrests have been made and expressed confidence that the situation would be resolved quickly.

Montgomery also stressed the UK’s dedication to diversity, stating, “We will not as a country accept discrimination or attacks against any community.”

He assured that justice would be pursued against those spreading hatred and disinformation online.

Additionally, Montgomery noted that about 430,000 Nigerian visa applications have been approved this year. He advised applicants to apply directly and be wary of unreliable agents.

Dabiri-Erewa confirmed that no Nigerians had been affected by the disorder so far and praised the UK government for its prompt response.

She reported that NIDCOM was in communication with the Nigerian High Commission in London, diaspora groups, and student groups, none of which had reported any casualties.

She also reminded Nigerians of the travel advisory issued by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and urged them to stay vigilant.

The meeting was attended by British Deputy High Commissioner, Gill Lever, First Secretary Political Natalie Palmer, and NIDCOM staff members.