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UK Riots: British High Commissioner Meets NiDCOM boss, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Assures Safety of Nigerians
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, has assured Nigerians in the UK of their safety and security.
This assurance comes in response to recent riots in several UK cities.
Dr. Montgomery made the statement during a meeting with Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), in Abuja.
This was contained in a statement by Gabriel Odu of the Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit at NiDCOM.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the unrest in the UK began after three young girls were fatally stabbed at a dance class in Southport.
A false rumor that the attacker was a Muslim asylum-seeker quickly spread online, leading to days of violence.
Speaking during the meeting, Montgomery revealed that a total of 12 towns were affected by the disorder.
He assured the Nigerian community in the UK that the government is taking all necessary measures to restore calm and normalcy to the affected areas.
The cmmissioner noted that the government has established 60 special courts, including UK Police and legal operatives, to address the criminal disorder. Over 400 individuals have been arrested in connection with the unrest, and Montgomery is confident that the UK system will resolve the situation soon.
According to the High Commissioner, “We will not, as a country, accept discrimination or attacks against any community.”
Montgomery also reported that approximately 430,000 visa applications from Nigerians were successful this year. He advised visa applicants to apply directly and to be cautious of agents.
In response, NIDCOM Chairperson Hon. Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged that, to date, no Nigerians have been reported as casualties or affected by the disorder.
She confirmed that NiDCOM is in contact with the Nigerian High Commission in London, as well as large diaspora and student groups, none of whom have reported any casualties.
She commended the UK government for its timely interventions, including the arrests made thus far.
Hon. Dabiri-Erewa also reminded Nigerians of the travel advisory issued by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urging them to stay safe and be vigilant, especially during this period.
The meeting was attended by British Deputy High Commissioner Gill Lever, First Secretary Political Natalie Palmer, and staff members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
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