BY Uche Amunike
The Federal Government has advised that Nigerians should remain vigilant at this time that there is great disorder and heightened violence, which led to the issue of United Kingdom (UK) travel alerts to Nigerian citizens in the UK, over violence caused by the recent riots.
The travel alert which was signed and released by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Eche Abu-Ode on Monday.
Reports from Reuters state that violent protests erupted in some towns and cities in Britain after three girls were killed and 10 people, injured with a knife, during an attack at a children’s dance class in Southport, Northwest England, last Monday.
Because of the deaths of the girls, anti-immigrants, and anti-Muslim groups took advantage of the situation, due to misinformation that spread that the attacker was an immigrant and radical Islamist.
According to the police, the suspect was born in Britain, therefore, the matter will not be treated as a terrorist incident.
According to foreign media, a total of 420 arrests have been made as social media-initiated riots spread across the UK.
A particular case was cited where a hotel that housed asylum seekers in Rotterham, near Sheffield, was petrol-bombed, bringing about clashes with policemen and injuries to 10 riot officers. As a result, the Prime Minister, Keir Stamer, promised to do whatever it took to bring the thugs involved to justice, while addressing the nation on Sunday.
The government has advised citizens to avoid any political processions because of this development, while advising them to keep away from rallies, marches and protests, as well as large gatherings and crowded areas. He also urged them to keep being vigilant and self-aware at all times.
The statement partly read: ‘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.’
‘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.’
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also encouraged citizens to get in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in the UK for important information through email address hc@nigeriahca.org.uk or phone number +442078391244
These demonstrations by far-right and other extra-parliamentary groups in some parts of the United Kingdom have been large and in most cases, very unruly in the past few weeks. The violent mobs have succeeded in emitting racist and Islamophobic invectives, while at the same time, targeting minority groups, Muslims and migrants.
They attacked a mosque in the city and later on staged protests across the country, burning a police station in Sunderland on Friday, while beating up those that they consider foreigners and setting the hotel housing the asylum-seekers on fire.
