The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has said it is closely monitoring recent developments in Belfast, Northern Ireland, following reports of unrest and isolated incidents affecting parts of the community.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the commission was concerned about the situation and called for peace, unity and mutual respect among residents.
Masked men reportedly burned families out of their homes in Belfast in a wave of anti-immigrant violence on Tuesday night after a Sudanese man was charged over a knife attack.
Hundreds of protesters, many with their faces covered, attacked police and burned vehicles in a number of locations across Northern Ireland after a video of the knife attack, which left one person with serious neck and head wounds, went viral.
The rioters targeted minority communities, with Black residents, including Nigerian families, bearing the brunt of the violence and intimidation.
In a statement to Naijaonpoint issued on Wednesday by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols of the commission, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM extended its thoughts to individuals and families affected by the disturbances.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, periods of tension should not be allowed to create divisions within communities.
“Whenever communities experience moments of tension, it is important that we do not allow isolated incidents to divide us, but rather strengthen our commitment to peace, dialogue, and mutual respect,” she said.
The commission stressed the need for restraint, understanding and respect for law and order during the sensitive period.
It also acknowledged the efforts of community leaders and organisations working to promote peaceful coexistence and responsible engagement among residents.
NiDCOM highlighted recent comments made by a Nigerian community leader in Northern Ireland, Mr Jahswill Emmanuel, founder of Multi-Ethnic Sports and Cultures Northern Ireland, during an interview with the BBC.
According to the commission, Emmanuel expressed sadness over the situation and sympathised with those affected by the unrest.
He also called for unity and collective responsibility in maintaining peace within the community.
Emmanuel noted that migrant communities, including Nigerians, remained committed to making positive contributions to Northern Ireland.
He urged residents not to allow isolated incidents to create divisions and emphasised the importance of cooperating with law enforcement authorities.
NiDCOM reaffirmed its commitment to the safety, welfare and dignity of Nigerians living abroad.
The commission urged Nigerians and other residents to remain law-abiding and avoid actions or statements capable of escalating tensions.
It stressed the importance of promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding and respect among all communities.
“The Commission will continue to engage relevant stakeholders and monitor the situation in the interest of Nigerians in the diaspora,” the statement added.
NiDCOM also assured Nigerians in Northern Ireland that it would continue to follow developments closely while working with relevant stakeholders to safeguard their interests.
