Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, has reassured Nigerians in the UK that they are secure following anti-immigrant riots.
Montgomery provided the guarantee on Wednesday while meeting with Abike Dabiri-Erewa, CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), in Abuja.
The High Commissioner and envoy reported that the rioting had hit 12 British towns.
Protests erupted late last month after an anti-immigrant propaganda campaign sparked indignation over a stabbing crime that killed three children in Southport, northern England.
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 sparked by the deaths of three schoolgirls ages six to nine from a knife attack.
According to social media videos, large groups attempted to kidnap cars driven by suspected immigrants, while other rioters attacked a Rotherham hotel that housed asylum applicants.
400 Arrested in Connection with Disorder in the UK
The envoy announced that over 400 individuals have been arrested in relation to the recent unrest. To address the situation, 60 special courts, consisting of UK police and legal operatives, have been established.
He assured the NiDCOM boss that UK authorities are actively working to restore calm and normalcy to the affected communities.
Montgomery emphasized that the UK, home to people of diverse nationalities and races, remains open and welcoming to qualified individuals seeking to live, study, and work.
Dabiri-Erewa confirmed that there have been no reports of harmed Nigerians and expressed gratitude to the UK for their cooperation. She also reminded Nigerians to heed the UK travel advisory and urged those in the diaspora to stay safe.
Cities with significant foreign student populations, including Liverpool, Bristol, and Manchester, have also been impacted by the protests.