The Nigerian government has issued a travel alert for its citizens planning to visit the United Kingdom. This advisory comes in response to the recent surge in violence and disorder following riots in the UK.
The statement, signed by Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlights the increased risk of violence due to the unrest triggered by the tragic stabbing of three young girls at a concert in Southport, northwest England.
The advisory reads: "There is an increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK, stemming from the killing of three young girls at a concert.
The violence has assumed dangerous proportions as evidenced by reported attacks on law enforcement agents and damage to infrastructure."
In light of these events, the Nigerian government has urged its citizens to exercise extreme caution. Nigerians are advised to avoid political processions, protests, rallies, marches, crowded areas, and large gatherings. The advisory also emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and self-aware at all times.
The riots have led to massive unrest, with rioters breaking into hotels sheltering asylum seekers and setting them on fire. Notably, two Holiday Inns in northern England were vandalized and torched, one in Tamworth and another in Rotherham.
These violent demonstrations have been fueled by misinformation that the suspected attacker was an immigrant and a radical Islamist, although police have clarified that the suspect was born in Britain and the incident is not being treated as a terrorist act.
The Nigerian government has also provided contact information for the Nigerian High Commission in the UK for citizens seeking further assistance or information. They can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at +44 207 839 1244.
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