The Federal Republic of Nigeria has issued a travel alert to its citizens planning to visit the United Kingdom following the increased risk of violence and disorder following recent riots.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Eche Abu-Obe, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
According to Abu-Obe, the riots, which began after three young girls were killed at a concert, have resulted in attacks on law enforcement agents and infrastructure damage.
“There is an increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK, stemming from the killing of 3 young girls at a concert,” Abu-Obe said.
“The violence has assumed dangerous proportions as evidenced by reported attacks on Law enforcement agents and damage to infrastructure.”
He, however, advised citizens to exercise extreme caution and avoid political processions, protests, rallies, and marches.
Abu-Obe also urged them to steer clear of crowded areas and large gatherings, and to remain vigilant and self-aware at all times, noting, “Contact the High Commission with a view to passing information that could be of interest via e-mail and hc@nigeriahc.org.uk, +442078391244. telephone.”
Violent unrest has erupted in several towns and cities in Britain in recent days, and more chaos broke out on Saturday as far-right agitators gathered in demonstrations across the country.
According to experts, the violence was sparked by online disinformation and extremist right-wing groups intent on causing chaos following a deadly knife attack on a children’s event in northwestern England.
A range of far-right factions and individuals, including neo-Nazis, violent soccer fans and anti-Muslim campaigners, have promoted and taken part in the unrest, which has also been stoked by online influencers.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to deploy additional police officers to crack down on the disorder. “This is not a protest that has got out of hand,” he said on Thursday. “It is a group of individuals who are absolutely bent on violence.”
