The Federal Government has strongly advised Nigerians in South Africa who feel unsafe to utilise the final government-sponsored evacuation flights, stressing that there are no indications the xenophobic violence is abating.
In a statement issued on Monday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed Nigeria’s deep concern over the safety of its citizens amid ongoing xenophobic protests and attacks targeting migrants. The violence has already resulted in the deaths of two Nigerians, Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu.
“We demand that South African authorities urgently investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice,” the minister said. She urged affected citizens to take advantage of the FG-sponsored evacuation flights to return home.
President Bola Tinubu has extended the evacuation programme beyond the initial June 30 deadline. A fourth flight arrived in Nigeria on July 3, with another scheduled to depart for Johannesburg on Tuesday, July 7. The final flight is expected to reach South Africa on July 10.
The minister called on Nigerians still undecided about leaving to carefully weigh the risks. “Our nationals are again advised to weigh the risks regarding whether to remain or return,” she stated. Addressing those hesitant to depart, she added: “For many still sitting on the fence, they should do well to note that properties and investments lost can be replaced, but not lives lost.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed the government’s commitment: “The Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad, and will put all necessary measures in place to protect them.”
The latest advisory follows earlier arrangements to evacuate hundreds of Nigerians willing to return home voluntarily due to the deteriorating security situation.
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