The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Government department has warned its citizens residing in Nigeria against visiting Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi States. 

In a statement on its website on Friday, the UK government said the states are endangered due to the incoming off-cycle gubernatorial elections in the respective states. 

Emphasising the possibility of violent crimes in the states, the UK government warned that political rallies, protests, and violence can occur with little notice. 

“Political rallies, protests and violent demonstrations can occur with little notice throughout the country. International news events can sometimes trigger anti-Western demonstrations,” it said.

It further stated that there is a potential for increased tension on the eve of elections, citing the myriad of insecurity ravaging communities.

“There is the potential for increased tension on Fridays. See more information under ‘Protests and Demonstrations.’ 

“Throughout Nigeria, there are high levels of violent street crime, including muggings, car-jackings and armed robbery in Nigeria. You should be vigilant at all times,” it said.

The UK government said about 117,000 British tourists visit Nigeria every year. However, it said that based on past election practice, it predicts that movement restrictions will be enforced within those three states from midnight to 6:00 p.m. on November 11. 

The electoral commission, INEC, had fixed November 11 for the off-cycle governorship elections in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi. 

The last off-season elections, particularly in Kogi, were marred by widespread violence and electoral fraud, as reported by the press and independent observers. 

However, President Bola Tinubu, who received three gubernatorial candidates at the presidential villa on Thursday, demanded fairness in the conduct of the polls.