Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, has reassured Nigerians living in the UK about their safety following a wave of violent anti-immigration protests.
The unrest erupted after the tragic death of three young girls, aged between six and nine, who were victims of a knife attack.
Misinformation alleging that the suspect was an immigrant and a radical Islamist fueled the demonstrations, which were subsequently hijacked by anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim groups.
The protests have led to significant disturbances in several British towns, including Liverpool, Bristol, and Manchester, which have large foreign student populations.
Social media footage captured riotous scenes, with protesters targeting vehicles driven by suspected immigrants and attacking a hotel housing asylum seeker in Rotherham.
In response, Montgomery has confirmed that more than 400 individuals have been arrested, and 60 special courts are being established to address the situation.
He emphasised that the UK remains committed to welcoming people of various nationalities and is working diligently to restore order.
According to a statement issued by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) on Wednesday, Montgomery said 12 British towns were affected by the disorder.
The high commissioner told Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM CEO, that authorities are on top of the situation and are doing everything possible to restore calm and normalcy to the affected communities.
Montgomery added that the UK is home to people of different nationalities and races, and will remain liberal to qualified persons to live, school, and work.
Dabiri-Erewa said no reports of harmed Nigerians have been received and thanked the UK for their cooperation.
The NiDCOM CEO also reminded Nigerians of the UK travel advisory and urged compatriots in the diaspora to stay safe.
Keir Starmer, UK prime minister, said those who took part in the anti-immigration protests will face the full force of the law.
Chioma Kalu
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