Xenophobia: Don’t risk your lives, leave South Africa, FG tells Nigerians
by Hassan Muaz · The Eagle OnlineThe Federal Government has advised Nigerians living in South Africa to take advantage of the remaining government-sponsored evacuation flights and return home if they feel unsafe.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, issued the fresh advisory on Monday via her verified X page while announcing a final call for documentation for Nigerians wishing to return home under the ongoing evacuation exercise.
She equally announced that the final evacuation flight is expected to arrive in South Africa on July 10.
The minister said the government remained deeply concerned about the safety of Nigerians following continued xenophobic protests and attacks on migrants.
She cited the deaths of two Nigerians, Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu, and said the Federal Government had demanded a full investigation from South African authorities.
According to her, those responsible for the killings must be identified and brought to justice.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged Nigerians who believe their lives are at risk to immediately register for the remaining evacuation flights, stressing that there are no indications that the security situation is improving.
“There are no signs that the situation is improving,” she said.
She recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved an extension of the evacuation exercise beyond the June 30 deadline after the successful completion of the first three evacuation operations to allow more Nigerians who wish to return home to do so.
Also Read
- Police arrest masquerade, launch manhunt for four others over alleged murder
- Tottenham sign Tonali from Newcastle in £100m deal
- Obi to Tinubu: Resign over governance failures or shelve re-election bid
- DSS asks court to remand Sowore over alleged failure to fulfil bail conditions
- Belgium blasts FIFA over Balogun suspension reversal
According to the minister, the fourth evacuation flight arrived in Nigeria on July 3, while another chartered flight will depart Lagos for Johannesburg on Tuesday, July 7, to evacuate more Nigerians.
She disclosed that the final evacuation flight is expected to arrive in South Africa on July 10, urging citizens to make full use of the remaining seats on the aircraft.
The minister advised Nigerians who are yet to decide whether to remain in South Africa or return home to carefully assess the risks, warning that seeking assistance after the evacuation exercise has ended may come too late.
She added that while lost properties and investments could be replaced, lives could not.
She said, “Our citizens are strongly advised to take advantage of this extension and utilise the full capacity of the aircraft.
“The last evacuation flight is expected to arrive South Africa on 10th July. Our Nationals are again, advised to weigh the risks regarding whether to remain or return.
“For many still sitting on the fence, sending out distress calls after these evacuation exercises might have concluded, and when there was an opportunity to leave which they did not utilise, will not help matters.
“They should do well to note that properties and investments lost can be replaced, but not lives lost.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed that the federal government remains committed to protecting the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad and will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard its citizens.
[wpadcenter_ad id='745970' align='none']