The Nigerian returnees
Another 33 Nigerian nationals have been evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks that continue to endanger the lives of Nigerians living in the country.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed the development in a post on her official X handle on Friday, saying the latest returnees are from Delta, Ogun, Imo, Lagos, Enugu, Oyo, Edo, Ondo and Bayelsa states.
The minister said the security situation in South Africa remains a source of concern, revealing that two Nigerians—James Uchechukwu Nwankwo and Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle—were killed in separate incidents this month.
“The situation in South Africa is not improving. Two Nigerian Citizens have been killed this month in South Africa- James Uchechukwu Nwankwo and Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle,” she wrote.
She said the Federal Government has strongly condemned the killings and is pressing South African authorities to ensure those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
“Our Government has condemned these targeted killings, and continues to call on the South African Authorities to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the minister stated.
According to her, Nigeria’s National Assembly has also taken a firm position by suspending official visits to South Africa and boycotting legislative activities hosted by the country.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed appreciation to organisations and individuals whose financial support made the latest evacuation possible.
She disclosed that the Private Group of Nigerian Business Friends (PGNBF) sponsored the return of 26 of the 33 evacuees. The group had earlier funded the repatriation of 83 Nigerians and later another 67, bringing the total number of citizens it has helped return from South Africa to 176.
The minister also commended the Nigerian Lawyers Association (NLASA) for financing the return of five evacuees, while a private citizen from Bayelsa State paid for the evacuation of three indigenes.
She further acknowledged the Igbo Lawyers Association South Africa (ILASA) for recently sponsoring the repatriation of 28 Nigerian nationals.
“On behalf of the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we extend our immense gratitude to these public spirited groups and private individuals for coming to the aid of their imperiled compatriots,” she said.
The minister called on state governments that are yet to assist their citizens returning from South Africa to complement the Federal Government’s efforts by supporting indigenes who were forced to flee the country, abandoning their homes, businesses and other means of livelihood.
She, however, singled out Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for what she described as a remarkable show of compassion towards returnees.
According to the minister, Governor Mbah on Thursday hosted 77 Enugu families made up of 112 returnees and presented ₦1 million to each family to help them restart their lives.
As she recalled, the governor encouraged the returnees with the words: “Don’t be afraid to start again….”
Xenophobic attacks have remained a recurring challenge in South Africa for several years, with foreign nationals, including Nigerians, often becoming victims of violent attacks, intimidation and destruction of property. The incidents have repeatedly strained diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa, prompting calls for stronger protection of foreign nationals and justice for victims.
The latest evacuation underscores the continuing hardship faced by many Nigerians in South Africa, while also highlighting the growing role of private organisations, professional bodies and state governments in supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to bring distressed citizens home and help them rebuild their lives.
