Manny Ita –
The Nigerian government has announced plans to evacuate its citizens from South Africa following a resurgence of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stated that the repatriation exercise will be voluntary. Authorities are currently compiling a list of Nigerians willing to return, with about 130 individuals already registered for evacuation through Nigeria’s diplomatic mission.
Nigerian community groups in South Africa are also assisting with the registration process, and officials expect the number of returnees to increase as tensions persist.
The move comes after reports of violent attacks against African migrants, including Nigerians. In recent incidents, two Nigerian citizens were killed, allegedly involving personnel from the South African National Defence Force. Their deaths have heightened fears among Nigerians living in the country.
The Nigerian government has also received intelligence suggesting that further protests and attacks may occur, prompting the urgent evacuation plan.
Officials say more details on the repatriation process will be announced soon.
