The Federal Government (FG) has begun arrangements to evacuate Nigerians willing to return home from South Africa following renewed xenophobic tensions and anti-foreigner protests in parts of the country.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed that the decision followed growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians amid increasing hostility toward migrants, especially after recent protests in Durban and other South African cities.
According to the minister, the Nigerian government cannot continue to watch its citizens face what she described as harassment, humiliation, and extra-judicial killings without taking action. She stated that voluntary evacuation remains a priority for Nigerians who wish to leave South Africa due to the tense situation.
Reports indicate that more than 130 Nigerians have already registered for voluntary evacuation flights as fears grow over renewed anti-immigrant demonstrations and possible attacks targeting foreign nationals.
The Federal Government also revealed that President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigerian missions in South Africa to establish emergency response and crisis support systems for Nigerians affected by the unrest.
The development comes amid rising concerns across Africa over recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, with several African countries reportedly issuing safety advisories to their citizens residing there.
