We’re no longer safe : Nigerian nurse cries out as Anti-Immigrant Riots Grip Northern Ireland After Brutal Stabbing
FNA News, 12th June, 2026.
A Nigerian nurse who has worked in Belfast for five years has said she no longer feels safe and is considering leaving Northern Ireland after being attacked and amid recent violent disorder.
Chinonso Uche, who works in a care home, said she was previously hit on the head with a stone while walking home from work in her nursing uniform last summer. She said that when she shared her experience online, many responses told her to “go back home”.
The latest unrest, which followed a stabbing in north Belfast, has left her feeling there is “no safety for us”.
What happened
On the night of 8 June, 44-year-old Stephen Ogilvie was stabbed in north Belfast and suffered serious injuries, including the loss of one eye. A 30-year-old Sudanese man, Hadi Alodid, has been charged with attempted murder and remanded in custody.
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The incident led to two nights of disorder in parts of Belfast and other areas. Groups of masked people clashed with police, threw petrol bombs and stones, and set fire to vehicles and properties. Some homes linked to migrant communities were targeted. Police used water cannons during the unrest.
Nurse speaks about her experience
Ms Uche said the recent violence has made her question whether she can continue living and working in Northern Ireland. She has been considering returning to Nigeria or moving to Australia or the United States.
She also spoke about the contribution of overseas staff in health and care services, noting that many people rely on nurses and carers from abroad.
Trade unions have reported other cases of healthcare workers being followed or intimidated during the disorder. One nurse was chased by masked men while heading to work at Ulster Hospital.
Reactions
Politicians across different parties have condemned the violence. The family of Stephen Ogilvie called for calm and said the attack should not be used to fuel further division.
Health trusts have also condemned attacks on staff. Northern Ireland’s health and social care sector depends on overseas workers to fill staffing gaps.
Ms Uche has a large following on social media where she shares content about her work as a nurse. She said she and her sister, who also works as a nurse in Belfast, had been proud to contribute during the pandemic.
The situation is still developing. Police continue to investigate the stabbing and the disorder that followed.
We shall continue to monitor developments closely and provide updates as they emerge.
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