25/11/2002

Miss NI quits Nigeria after riot deaths

Northern Ireland's Miss World representative has arrived back in the UK, along with the rest the competitors, after scores of people were killed in rioting close to the venue in Nigeria.

Miss Williamson returned with the other contestants after originally saying she was quitting the competition because of the trouble. However, her mother confirmed she would now be remaining with the entourage in London until the event is completed.

Latest figures released by the Nigerian Red Cross on Sunday put the number of dead from the four days of unrest in the northern city of Kaduna at 215 - more than double the previous official estimate.

Nigeria won the right to stage the pageant after Nigerian Agbani Darego was crowned Miss World 2001 - the first black African to win the title.

The competition is scheduled to go ahead in London on December 7.

(MB)

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