Another 33 Nigerians Evacuated From South Africa Over Xenophobia

Another 33 Nigerian nationals have been evacuated from South Africa following continued xenophobic incidents in the country, according to Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed this in a post on X, saying the returnees are from Delta, Ogun, Imo, Lagos, Enugu, Oyo, Edo, Ondo and Bayelsa states.

She said the situation in South Africa had not improved, adding that two Nigerian citizens, James Uchechukwu Nwankwo and Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, were killed in the country 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.”

According to her, the Nigerian government has condemned the killings and continued to demand investigations and justice for the victims.

“Our Government has condemned these targeted killings, and continues to call on the South African Authorities to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

She added that Nigeria’s National Assembly had suspended official visits to South Africa and boycotted legislative activities hosted by the country.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed appreciation to private groups and individuals who supported the evacuation of the affected Nigerians.

Read Also: 65 Nigerians Return From South Africa Amid Xenophobic Concerns – Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu

She said the Private Group of Business Friends funded the evacuation of 26 of the 33 returnees, having previously supported the repatriation of 83 and 67 Nigerian nationals from South Africa.

“With this 26, they would have funded the repatriation of 176 Nigerian nationals from South Africa,” she said.

She also acknowledged the Nigerian Lawyers Association for funding the return of five evacuees, while a private citizen from Bayelsa State funded the repatriation of three Bayelsa indigenes.

The minister further noted that the Igbo Lawyers Association South Africa recently funded 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.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also called on state governments to support the Federal Government’s efforts to repatriate Nigerians who have been forced to leave South Africa.

She commended Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for receiving 77 Enugu State families comprising 112 indigenes and providing N1 million to each family.

She quoted the governor as telling the returnees: “Don’t be afraid to start again….”