The Federal Government has issued a travel alert to Nigerians going to the UK amid ongoing deadly riots.
Eche Abu-Obe Spokesperson Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Monday, August 5, 2024, said due to the violence in the country, citizens are advised to be extra vigilant.
Recall that England is experiencing an eruption of anti-immigrant and far-right violence the likes of which have not been seen for years. Towns and cities have been overtaken 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 first broke out after a mass stabbing in the seaside town of Southport, near Liverpool in England’s north-west. Three young girls were killed in an attack at a dance class on a residential street.
But before the suspect’s identity was confirmed — Axel Rudakubana, 17 — far-right influencers and conspiracy theorists had spread disinformation, saying the suspect was a Muslim recently arrived in the UK to claim asylum. They have used public horror at the knife attack to whip up tension between communities, stoke anger at immigration and spread Islamophobic sentiment.
The statement issued by the foreign affairs ministry 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. telephone.”
