The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has reassured the Nigerian diaspora in the United Kingdom of their safety amid recent unrest affecting 12 towns.
He gave the assurance in a meeting with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Chairperson/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja.
In a statement by Gabriel Odu, of NiDCOM’s Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Montgomery emphasised that the UK government is taking decisive action, including establishing 60 special courts and arresting over 400 individuals linked to the disturbances.
He affirmed the UK’s commitment to inclusivity and justice against online incitement.
The British Envoy emphasised 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 in the UK.
He also stressed that the UK will seek justice against those who incite these acts with hatred and disinformation online, adding , “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.
Dabiri-Erewa noted no Nigerians have been harmed and urged caution among the diaspora during this period of unrest.
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 casuality to date.
She applauded the UK Government for their timely interventions, particularly the arrests made so far.
While reminding Nigerians of the travel advisory issued by Nigeria ‘s Ministry of Foreign Affairs , she advised Nigerians in the UK to stay safe, and be cautious of their surroundings, particularly at this time.
Also present at the startegic meeting was the British Deputy High Commissioner Gill Lever, First Secretary Political, Natalie Palmer, and some Staff Members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NiDCOM).
