Countries including Nigeria, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and Canada have warned their citizens against travelling to the United Kingdom following violent riots across the country.
According to Reuters, the unrest began after a knife attack at a children’s dance class in Southport, northwest England last Monday, which resulted in the deaths of three girls and injuries to 10 others.
The incident has sparked widespread protests fuelled by misinformation suggesting the attacker was an immigrant and radical Islamist. However, police confirmed that the suspect, born in Britain, is not being treated as a terrorist.
Foreign media reported that more than 420 arrests have been made as social media-fuelled riots spread across the UK. In one instance, a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham, near Sheffield, was petrol-bombed, leading to clashes with police and injuries to 10 riot officers.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed to do “whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice” as he addressed the nation on Sunday.
In response to the violence, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson Ambassador Eche Abu-Ode, advised citizens to avoid political processions, rallies, and crowded areas, while urging them to stay vigilant.
“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.
“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 Federal Government also encouraged citizens to contact the Nigerian High Commission in the UK for relevant information via email (hc@nigeriahc.org.uk) or phone (+442078391244).
Similarly, the National Association of Nigerian Students in Diaspora advised Nigerian students in the UK to exercise caution and avoid violence-prone areas.
NANS-Diaspora President, Chris Fayomi, and Public Relations Officer, Olajesu Osalade, in a statement made available in Ado Ekiti on Monday, expressed deep concern over the recent unrest and violence in various parts of England and Northern Ireland.
Fayemi and Osalade lamented, “The recent wave of violence, which has impacted areas including Hull, Liverpool, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Rotherham, Bristol, Belfast, and Stoke-on-Trent, poses significant risks to the Nigerian student community.
“We urge all Nigerian students in these regions to exercise caution, stay informed through reliable sources and avoid areas where unrest is occurring.
“We encourage students to reach out to their local NANS-Diaspora representatives for any support or information they may need. We call for peace and understanding, emphasizing that violence and misinformation only serve to divide communities and create further harm.”
The NANS-Diaspora “unequivocally” condemn the rioting that has erupted since 30 July 2024, following the tragic events in Southport on 29 July.
“Our hearts go out to all those affected by these incidents. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives or injured in the tragic mass stabbing in Southport on 29 July. This senseless act of violence has left a profound impact on the community, and our thoughts and prayers are with all those grieving during this difficult time,” the student body said.
Similarly, Malaysia issued a travel warning on Sunday night, followed by Indonesia urging its citizens in the UK to stay away from protest areas and remain vigilant
By Monday, Canada and Australia had followed suit, expressing concerns over the safety and welfare of their nationals.
The Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an urgent notice, advising citizens to register with the ministry for timely information and assistance.
The ministry said in its notice, “Malaysians residing in or travelling to the United Kingdom are urged to stay away from protest areas, remain vigilant and follow the latest updates and guidance provided by local authorities.”
It also “strongly encouraged” people to register with it to “receive timely information and assistance”.
The Indonesian Embassy in London issued an appeal later Sunday, urging its citizens in the UK to increase vigilance, especially if travelling or doing activities outside the home, and to “avoid large crowds and places that have the potential to become gathering places for masses or groups of demonstrators.”
The Indonesian Embassy in London issued an appeal on Sunday, urging its citizens in the UK to exercise increased vigilance, particularly when travelling or engaging in outdoor activities. They advised, “avoid large crowds and places that have the potential to become gathering places for masses or groups of demonstrators.”
Canada raised the risk level of travel to the UK due to the “threat of terrorism.”
Australia advised its citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution” when visiting Britain adding “Avoid areas where protests are occurring due to the potential for disruption and violence.”