A Nigerian nurse who has lived and worked in Belfast, Northern Ireland, for five years says she no longer feels safe after allegedly becoming a victim of anti-immigrant violence amid ongoing unrest in the region.
Tensions have escalated across parts of Northern Ireland following a violent attack in Belfast involving a Sudanese national. Authorities said 30-year-old Hadi Alodid allegedly attacked 40-year-old Stephen Ogilvie on June 8, 2026, inflicting multiple stab wounds to his face, neck and back. Bystanders reportedly intervened and restrained the suspect until police arrived.
The incident, which left the victim with severe injuries, sparked widespread protests and anti-immigration demonstrations, some of which have descended into violence. Reports indicate that vehicles and properties have been damaged or set ablaze during the unrest.
Amid the turmoil, Nigerian nurse Chinonso Uche said she was attacked while returning home from work in her nursing uniform.
“These boys used a stone and they hit me on the head on my way back from work, all dressed in my nursing uniform,” she said.
Uche also expressed disappointment at the reaction she received after sharing her experience online.
“What was the response when I shared my story online? It was, ‘Ireland is tired of immigrants, you should go back home.’ Nobody cares what you do, even though they know I’m a nurse. There is no safety for us, that is the truth,” she stated.
According to her, the recent wave of hostility and violence targeting immigrants has left her questioning her future in Northern Ireland despite years of contributing to the healthcare sector.
Her experience highlights growing concerns among migrant communities as authorities continue efforts to restore calm and address the tensions that have emerged in the aftermath of the Belfast attack.
