The Federal Government says 262 Nigerians affected by the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa are expected to arrive in Lagos today as part of an emergency evacuation exercise.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this on Thursday, confirming that the returnees departed Johannesburg aboard an Air Peace evacuation flight fully funded by the Federal Government.
According to the minister, the aircraft left OR Tambo International Airport with 262 Nigerian nationals and three government officials on board, alongside the airline crew.
She noted that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, will receive the evacuees at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on behalf of the Federal Government, as she is currently away on official duty in Ethiopia.
The flight is expected to land around 11:00 a.m.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the return as an emotional moment for many of the evacuees, saying they had endured traumatic experiences amid the growing anti-foreigner violence in South Africa.
“They have been through a great ordeal,” she said, assuring that the government had made adequate arrangements through relevant ministries and agencies to support the returnees before they reunite with their families.
Addressing the evacuees, the minister urged them not to regret leaving behind property or businesses in order to protect their lives.
“The safety of you and your children is worth any sacrifice. Survival is the noblest form of vengeance. Your nation is waiting to embrace you with open arms. Welcome back home,” she said.
The evacuation follows weeks of violent anti-migrant protests across parts of South Africa, where groups have reportedly targeted foreign nationals, demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country before June 30.
Several migrants have reported intimidation, assaults and forced displacement, prompting thousands to seek assistance to return to their home countries.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) said more than 1,000 Nigerians had indicated interest in returning home since the violence escalated.
South Africa, Africa’s most industrialised economy, hosts millions of foreign nationals but has struggled with high unemployment and recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence. Similar attacks in previous years left dozens dead and thousands displaced.
The latest unrest comes ahead of South Africa’s local government elections scheduled for November.
