Dramatic Evacuation: Stranded Nigerians Return Home From South Africa Amid Pledges of Support

Following a series of xenophobic attacks and heightened security concerns across various provinces in South Africa, the Nigerian Federal Government initiated and concluded a comprehensive emergency evacuation program for its stranded citizens. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the final phase of this operation saw 315 Nigerians return home aboard an Air Peace flight. This fifth and final flight departed Johannesburg on Wednesday, July 15, arriving at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. In total, the federal intervention program repatriated 1,141 Nigerians across four prior flights, with an additional 66 returning through private arrangements and 39 via another Air Peace flight, bringing the total number of returnees to approximately 1,561.

In a significant show of support, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State pledged substantial financial assistance and opportunities for Edo indigenes among the returnees. Addressing a group at the Festival Hall of the Edo Government House in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo announced a grant of N1 million to each of the 41 Edo indigenes who returned as victims of the attacks. This N41 million total commitment is intended to support their accommodation and resettlement, with payments promised within 24 hours to prevent any individual from being stranded. Furthermore, the governor committed to offering soft loans to returnees who wish to start businesses, emphasizing the state's dedication to their full reintegration into society. He reassured them, stating, "There is no place better than home; nobody will chase you away from here. We have peace here. Edo is safe, and Nigeria is safe." He also reflected on Nigeria's historical support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, asserting that Nigerians would not retaliate with similar behavior.

The human toll of these attacks was vividly recounted by Okafor Ugochukwu, an Anambra State indigene who spent ten years in South Africa seeking better opportunities. Mr. Ugochukwu detailed how his clothing business, established after he initially moved to Johannesburg in 2014, was destroyed during xenophobic attacks in 2018. Despite receiving financial support from relatives to start another venture selling earphones and hair products, this second business also fell victim to subsequent attacks. Forced to flee for his life, he left South Africa with nothing, losing all his belongings and businesses, and heartbreakingly, without his two young daughters. He described life in South Africa for many foreigners as "like a war zone," rejecting claims that Nigerians are responsible for local unemployment or crime, and highlighting the perception of Nigerians as drug dealers or involved in illegal activities despite many running honest businesses. After finding refuge at the Nigerian Consulate in Pretoria, he was evacuated to Nigeria and expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for his return, appealing for assistance to rebuild his life.

Riches Unubun, speaking on behalf of the returnees, conveyed profound gratitude to both the Edo and Federal governments for their prompt response and evacuation efforts. He also urged the government to facilitate their registration for voter cards, expressing a desire for the "great things happening in Edo to continue." Lucky Agazuma, Director General of the Edo Immigration Agency, commended Governor Okpebholo's compassion and proactive measures in supporting the indigenes facing distress abroad. This collaborative effort underscores a commitment from both federal and state levels to safeguard Nigerian citizens and ensure their safe return and reintegration after experiencing traumatic events overseas.