Abuja, Aug. 8, 2024 – Following the recent disorder in a number of cities in the United Kingdom, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria Dr Richard Mongomery has assured the large diaspora population of Nigerians in the UK of their safety and security.
The British High Commissioner gave the assurance at a meeting with the Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja
Montgomery said a total of 12 towns were affected by disorder.
He, however, assured the Nigerian community in the UK that Government is doing everything possible to restore calm and normalcy to the affected communities.
Montgomery said the government had set up 60 special courts comprising of the UK police and legal operatives to look into the criminal disorder.
He added that, over 400 persons have been arrested in connection with the disorder. He is optimistic that the UK system will sort things out very soon.
The British envoy stressed that the United Kingdom is home to people of different countries and races and will remain liberal to qualified persons to live, school and work.
He also said the UK would seek justice against those who incited these acts with hatred and disinformation online.
According to the High Commissioner, “we will not, as a country, accept discrimination or attacks against any community.”
Mongomery equally informed 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.
The NIDCOM Boss acknowledged that in the midst of these issues no Nigerian has died or have been affected by the disorder so far.
She stressed that NiDCOM is in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in London, the large Diaspora Groups and Student Groups and none have reported any casualty to date.
She applauded the UK Government for the timely interventions, particularly the arrests made so far.
While reminding Nigerians of the travel advisory issued by Nigeria‘s Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Dabiri-Erewa advised Nigerians in the UK to stay safe, and be cautious of their surroundings, particularly at this time.
Also present at the strategic meeting was the British Deputy High Commissioner Gill Lever, First Secretary Political, Natalie Palmer, and some staff of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM). (GBN)
