THE Federal Government (FG) has cautioned Nigerians living in the United Kingdom (UK) to be vigilant following the “increased risk of violence” in anti-immigrant protests.
Protests in several UK cities intensified over the weekend in response to a knife attack at a Southport school that claimed the lives of three students.
On July 29, at a dancing school, there was an attack during an American artist, Taylor Swift’s performance, during which children were stabbed.
In a statement on Sunday, August 4, the spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Eche Abu-Obe, said the violence in the UK had escalated to hazardous levels and that the girls’ killings had given rise to a narrative that is anti-immigration, specifically targeting Muslims and people of colour.
“To this end, citizens are advised to be extra vigilant and take measures as follows; avoid political processions and protests, rallies or marches, avoid crowded areas and large gatherings. Be vigilant and self-aware at all times.” the statement reads.
The ministry advised Nigerians to contact the High Commission to pass information that could be of interest via e-mail and telephone at [email protected], +442078391244.
Large-scale protests by far-right and other extra-parliamentary groups have been taking place in various parts of the UK in recent weeks.
A sizable gathering outside a mosque resulted in riots as people threw bricks and bottles at police cars.
False reports circulated claiming the attacker was an immigrant who adhered to radical Islam. Subsequently, groups opposed to immigration and Muslims seized control of the protest.
Eight more children were stabbed, and three girls, aged six to nine killed in the crisis.
The riot moved to Manchester, Bristol, and Liverpool on Saturday, August 3.
Several arrests were made, according to the police, as stores and other establishments were robbed and vandalised while several officers were injured.
In the most recent violence, rioters attacked a Rotherham hotel that houses asylum seekers.
During the altercations, demonstrators smashed hotel windows, hurled objects, and sprayed fire extinguishers at police officers.
The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, declared that the law would catch up with people who participated in violent anti-immigration demonstrations in some areas of the nation.
In an address on Sunday, August 4, Starmer promised that arrests would be made and called the rally “organised violent thuggery.”
He said there was no excuse for the assaults and that any rational person would find the violence intolerable.
“I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder whether directly or those whipping up this action online and then running away themselves,” Starmer warned.
Before this, Starmer promised to provide law enforcement with the “complete support” of the government to combat ‘extremists’ who want to “sow hate”.
The home secretary, Yvette Cooper, also issued a warning, stating that anybody involved in “unacceptable disorder” could face jail term and travel restrictions in addition to other penalties.
Cooper declared, “There is no place for criminal violence and disorder on Britain’s streets,” adding that ‘sufficient’ jail space had been made available.
A reporter with the ICIR
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