Protest: FG issues advisory to Nigerians in UK over anti-immigrant protests

The federal government has asked Nigerians living in the UK to be “extra vigilant” due to an “increased risk of violence”.

Demonstrations in several UK cities escalated during the weekend following a knife attack at a school in Southport that left three children dead.

The attack happened on July 29 during a Taylor Swift event at a dance school.

Eight other children suffered stab wounds.

Riots broke out the following day as a large crowd gathered outside a mosque, lobbing bottles and bricks at police vans.

Misinformation had spread that the suspected attacker was an immigrant and a radical Islamist. The protest was then seized by anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim groups.

In a statement on Sunday, Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson of the federal ministry of foreign affairs, said the violence has taken “dangerous proportions” and that the murder of the girls “has spawned an anti-immigration narrative, with particular emphasis on Muslim immigrants or persons of colour being targeted”.

“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,” the statement reads.

“Be vigilant and self aware at all times.

“Contact the High Commission with a view to passing information that could be of interest via e-mail and telephone.

“Background: Demonstrations by far right and other extra-parliamentary groups in parts of the UK in recent weeks have been large, and in some instances unruly.”