The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has assured the Nigerian diaspora in the United Kingdom of their safety amid recent unrest in several UK cities.
According to The PUNCH, this assurance was given during a meeting with Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
In a statement released by Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM’s Media and Public Relations Unit, Montgomery addressed concerns about disturbances affecting 12 towns in the UK.
He outlined the UK government’s response, which includes the formation of a special task force made up of 60 courts, as well as police and legal operatives, to tackle the criminal activities associated with the unrest.
The High Commissioner emphasized the UK’s commitment to inclusivity and tolerance, stating that discrimination or attacks against any community would not be tolerated.
He also noted that the government is actively addressing online incitement and misinformation.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has assured the Nigerian diaspora in the United Kingdom of their safety amid recent unrest in several UK cities.
According to The PUNCH, this assurance was given during a meeting with Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
In a statement released by Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM’s Media and Public Relations Unit, Montgomery addressed concerns about disturbances affecting 12 towns in the UK.
He outlined the UK government’s response, which includes the formation of a special task force made up of 60 courts, as well as police and legal operatives, to tackle the criminal activities associated with the unrest.
The High Commissioner emphasized the UK’s commitment to inclusivity and tolerance, stating that discrimination or attacks against any community would not be tolerated. He also noted that the government is actively addressing online incitement and misinformation.
“We will not, as a country, accept discrimination or attacks against any community,” Montgomery stated.
He also revealed that approximately 430,000 Nigerian visa applications were successful in 2024, advising applicants to apply directly and avoid using agents.
Dabiri-Erewa praised the UK government’s prompt action and confirmed that no Nigerians have been reported harmed or affected by the disturbances thus far.
She reinforced the importance of the travel advisory issued by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and urged Nigerians in the UK to stay vigilant.
The meeting was also attended by British Deputy High Commissioner Gill Lever, First Secretary Political Natalie Palmer, and NiDCOM staff members.
Following violent riots in the UK, several countries, including Nigeria, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and Canada, have issued travel warnings.
The unrest reportedly began after a knife attack at a children’s dance class in Southport, northwest England, last Monday, resulting in the deaths of three girls and injuries to 10 others.
The incident triggered widespread protests, fueled by misinformation about the attacker, who was falsely suggested to be an immigrant and radical Islamist.
