By Alice Etuka, Abuja
The Federal Government has advised Nigerians planning to travel to the United Kingdom (UK) to be cautious of potential violence following the recent killing of three young girls at a concert.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Eche Abu-Obe issued the warning in a statement issued on Monday, August 5, 2024.
The statement read in part: “There is an increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK, stemming from the killing of three young girls at a concert. The violence has assumed dangerous proportions, as evidenced by reported attacks on law enforcement agents and damage to infrastructure.
“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.
“These disturbances have only been aggravated by the unfortunate deaths of the three girls, spawning an anti-immigration narrative with particular emphasis on targeting Muslim immigrants or persons of colour.”
On July 29, 2024, a knife attack took place at a children’s yoga and dance workshop. Three children were killed and eight other children were injured, with five of them in critical condition. Two adults at the event were also critically injured.
The stabbing sparked protests and riots across the UK, which have been described as the worst rioting in 13 years.
