The Federal Government has urged Nigerians in South Africa who fear for their safety to take advantage of ongoing evacuation flights, warning that there are no indications that the security situation is improving amid renewed xenophobic attacks that have reportedly claimed the lives of two Nigerians.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the appeal in a statement on Monday, expressing concern over the safety of Nigerian citizens following what she described as ongoing xenophobic protests and attacks targeting migrants in the country.
According to the minister, the government is particularly worried by the deaths of two Nigerians, identified as Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu, during the recent unrest.
“Nigeria remains concerned about the safety of its citizens in South Africa as a result of the ongoing xenophobic protests and attacks on migrants, and even more so following the deaths of two Nigerians, Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu, during these unfortunate events,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that Nigeria had formally demanded action from South African authorities, urging them to investigate the incidents and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
“We demand that South African authorities urgently investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice, and are urging our citizens who consider their lives at risk to take advantage of the Federal Government-sponsored evacuation flights to be transported home,” she stated.
The minister revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved an extension of the evacuation programme beyond its original June 30 deadline to accommodate more Nigerians willing to return home.
She noted that the fourth evacuation flight arrived in Nigeria on July 3, while another aircraft is scheduled to depart for Johannesburg on July 7 to bring back additional citizens.
“Another evacuation flight will leave for Johannesburg tomorrow, Tuesday, July 7, to bring home our citizens,” she said, adding that the final evacuation flight is expected to arrive in South Africa on July 10.
The minister advised Nigerians still undecided about returning home to carefully evaluate the risks associated with remaining in the country.
“Our nationals are again advised to weigh the risks regarding whether to remain or return,” she said.
Appealing to those reluctant to leave, Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that material possessions could be replaced, unlike human lives.
“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,” she added.
She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerians living abroad.“ 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,” she said.
The latest advisory comes as the government finalises arrangements to evacuate about 270 Nigerians from South Africa under its voluntary repatriation programme.
The returnees are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard an Air Peace flight deployed for the exercise.
The evacuation effort is being coordinated through Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria and other relevant agencies as part of measures to assist citizens affected by the recent wave of xenophobic violence and insecurity in South Africa.
