Nigerian Government Issues Travel Advisory for UK Amid Rising Violence

The Nigerian government has warned citizens to exercise extreme caution while traveling to the United Kingdom, citing recent violence and disorder stemming from the killing of three young girls at a concert. The advisory was issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, despite widespread criticism from Nigerians who are more concerned about the safety of citizens in their own country.

According to a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Eche Abu-Obehas, there is an increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK, which have assumed dangerous proportions, with reported attacks on law enforcement agents and damage to infrastructure. The government advised citizens to avoid political processions and protests, rallies or marches, and to steer clear of crowded areas and large gatherings.

The statement cited demonstrations by far-right and other extra-parliamentary groups in parts of the UK as a significant concern, which have been fueled by an anti-immigration narrative targeting Muslim immigrants or persons of colour. These disturbances have only been exacerbated by the unfortunate deaths of the three girls, the statement lamented.

However, many Nigerians are not impressed with the government’s statement, arguing that it is a case of selective concern. A netizen, The_real_localman, wrote: "This is extremely funny. No death has occurred as a result of the riots in a few places in the UK, but you are issuing travel advice. Whereas right under your nose, over 2/3 of the states in Nigeria are rioting and at least 13 deaths have occurred so far. If you care about the safety of Nigerians, you should look within."

Another critic, i.am_pauli, invoked biblical wisdom, saying: "Typical case of trying to remove the spec of from your neighbour’s eyes while a log of wood is in yours." Winosa5, yet another critic, wrote: "Government thinks people will seriously pause plans to travel because of riots in the UK, compared to the supposed luxury of living in Nigeria."

The Nigerian government’s decision to prioritize travel advisories for the UK over its own domestic concerns has sparked anger and frustration among many citizens.