Amid the recent anti-immigrant riots in the United Kingdom, several Nigerians have shared their experiences, revealing how they managed to stay safe during the unrest. These riots, which erupted following the tragic stabbing of three young girls in Southport, were fueled by misinformation that the suspect was a black Muslim migrant. The false claims were spread by influential figures, leading to far-right extremists targeting black and Muslim communities across the UK.
Shola, a Nigerian student living in Sunderland, recounted how he and his wife were forced to stay indoors for hours as a police helicopter hovered over their home for over five hours. He described the chaos that unfolded in the city, with several businesses and even a police station being attacked by rioters.
Another Nigerian, Janet, who lives on the street where the first protest took place, fled her home before the unrest began. She noted that local taxi drivers had warned people of color to stay indoors, anticipating that the “peaceful” protest could turn violent.
In contrast, Mayor, a Liverpool resident, and Yemi, who lives in Manchester, reported less direct impact but emphasized the need for caution during such volatile times. Yemi particularly noted that while Manchester remained relatively peaceful, areas like Piccadilly were best avoided.
The UK government, through its High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has reassured Nigerians of their safety, emphasizing that discrimination or attacks against any community would not be tolerated. This statement followed a travel advisory from the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urging citizens to exercise caution when visiting the UK and avoid large gatherings or protests.
