FG evacuates 33 more Nigerians from S/Africa

The Federal Government has successfully evacuated an additional 33 Nigerian nationals from South Africa, responding to a relentless wave of xenophobic incidents and targeted violence in the country.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, made this known on Friday.

The latest group of returnees originates from several states across Nigeria, including Delta, Ogun, Imo, Lagos, Enugu, Oyo, Edo, Ondo, and Bayelsa.

The security situation for foreign nationals in South Africa continues to deteriorate, underscored by the tragic deaths of two Nigerian citizens earlier this month: James Uchechukwu Nwankwo and Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle.

In response to these targeted killings, the Federal Government has strongly condemned the violence and renewed its demands for South African authorities to launch transparent investigations and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Concurrently, Nigeria’s National Assembly has taken decisive diplomatic action by suspending all official visits to South Africa and boycotting legislative activities hosted in the country.

The recent evacuation was made possible through a collaborative rescue effort involving corporate bodies, professional associations, and private philanthropists. The Private Group of Business Friends financed the return of 26 of these evacuees, building on previous repatriations to bring their total contribution to 176 rescued nationals.

Additional funding was provided by the Nigerian Lawyers Association for five returnees, a private citizen from Bayelsa State who sponsored three indigenes, and the Igbo Lawyers Association South Africa, which recently funded the repatriation of 28 nationals.

Expressing deep appreciation, the Minister thanked these groups and individuals for stepping in to aid stranded citizens forced to abandon their properties and livelihoods.

While urging other state governments to proactively assist their displaced indigenes, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for hosting a grand reception for 77 returning families comprising 112 indigenes, and granting one million Naira to each family.