The UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has issued a warning to its citizens in Nigeria, advising against travel to Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi States due to heightened risks associated with off-cycle gubernatorial elections. The advisory, posted on its website, emphasizes the potential for violent crimes, political rallies, protests, and violence in these states.
The statement notes that political events and international news can trigger anti-Western demonstrations, and there is a risk of increased tension, particularly on Fridays. The advisory also highlights the prevalent high levels of violent street crime, including muggings, car-jackings, and armed robberies across Nigeria, urging citizens to remain vigilant.
It further mentions that around 117,000 British tourists visit Nigeria annually and predicts movement restrictions in the three states from midnight to 6:00 p.m. on November 11, the date set for the off-cycle governorship elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The previous off-season elections in Kogi witnessed widespread violence and electoral fraud, and President Bola Tinubu has called for fairness in the upcoming polls.
