UK Govt Contacts Nigeria Over Anti-Immigration Riots

As anti-immigration riots sweep some cities in the United Kingdom (UK) the government there has reached out to Nigerians.

This it has done through the British High Commissioner to Nigeria Dr. Richard Montgomery, even as many Nigerians are now worried about the welfare of their relations in the UK.

Responding to this however, the British High Commissioner has given assurance that there was no cause for concern, adding though that that 12 British towns have been affected by the social disorder.

He spoke at a meeting in Abuja with the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa,

The Eagle reports that Nigeria has had long bilateral relations with Britain, its colonial masters and therefore account for a sizeable number of its immigrant population and thus at the centre of any anti-immigration sentiments there.

Riots broke out in the country after three young girls lost their lives following a knife attack, and unconfirmed information that an immigrant and radical Islamist was behind it.

According to Montgomery over 400 people have been arrested in connection with the incident and would probably be appearing before 60 special courts, including UK police and legal operatives, that have been established to address the anti-immigration riots.

The ambassador reassured that the UK remained home to people of different countries and races and would remain liberal to qualified persons who wish to live, study, and work in the UK.

“We will not, as a country, accept discrimination or attacks against any community”, he asserted, promising justice against those behind the excesses.

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According to Dr. Montgomery, approximately 430,000 Nigerian visa applications were successful this year. He advised applicants to apply directly and be cautious of using agents.

Also reassuring Nigerian, Dabiri-Erewa said  no Nigerians have been affected by the disorder and that there had not been any confirmed casualties going by the records of the Nigerian High Commission and Diaspora groups.