The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a travel alert to its citizens planning to travel to the United Kingdom amidst ongoing deadly riots.
In a statement on Monday, August 5, 2024, Eche Abu-Obe, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urged Nigerians to exercise extra vigilance due to the escalating violence in the UK.
England is currently experiencing a significant surge in anti-immigrant and far-right violence, unprecedented in recent years. Towns and cities have been overrun by mobs of often masked men chanting anti-immigrant slogans, attacking hotels housing asylum seekers and mosques, clashing with police, and causing widespread destruction.
The disturbances initially erupted following a mass stabbing in the seaside town of Southport, near Liverpool, where three young girls were killed in an attack at a dance class on a residential street. The suspect, Axel Rudakubana, 17, was initially misidentified by far-right influencers and conspiracy theorists, who falsely claimed he was a Muslim asylum seeker. This misinformation has fueled tension, stoked anger at immigration, and spread Islamophobic sentiment.
The foreign affairs ministry’s statement reads: “There is an increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK, stemming from the killing of 3 young girls at a concert.
“The violence has assumed dangerous proportions as evidenced by reported attacks on law enforcement agents and damage to infrastructure. To this end, citizens are advised to be extra vigilant and take measures as follows:
Avoid political processions and protests, rallies or marches.
Avoid crowded areas and large gatherings.
Be vigilant and self-aware at all times.
Contact the High Commission with a view to passing information that could be of interest via e-mail and hc@nigeriahc.org.uk, +442078391244,” the statement concluded.
