August 08, (THEWILL) – The British Government has assured the safety of Nigerians in the United Kingdom amid anti-asylum riots that have broken out in the country.
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, gave the assurance during a meeting with the Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja.
A statement by the spokesman of NiDCOM, Gabriel Odu, noted that a total of 12 British towns were affected by the disorder.
Montgomery, however, assured the Nigerian Community in the UK that the Government was doing everything possible to restore calm and normalcy to the affected communities.
He said the Government had set up 60 special courts comprising the UK Police and Legal operatives to investigate the criminal disorder.
The envoy stated that over 400 people have so far been arrested in connection with the disorder, expressing optimism that the UK system would sort things out very soon. He emphasised that the UK is home to people of different countries and races and would remain liberal to qualified persons to live, school, and work.
Montgomery also assured that the Government would seek justice against those who incited hatred and disinformation through online channels.
“We will not, as a country, accept discrimination or attacks against any community”, he assured.
Montgomery, however, disclosed that about 430,000 visa applications by Nigerians were successful this year while advising visa applicants to apply by themselves and be circumspect of agents.
On her part, the NiDCOM boss acknowledged that no Nigerian has died or been affected by the unrest in the UK so far.
Dabiri-Erewa stressed that NiDCOM is in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in London, the Diaspora and student groups and none have reported any casualty.
She applauded the UK Government for its timely interventions, particularly the arrests made so far.
Dabiri-Erewa reminded Nigerians of the travel advisory from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and advised them to stay safe and remain vigilant about their surroundings, especially during this period.
