Xenophobia: FG gives Nigerians in South Africa final evacuation window

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians who feel unsafe in South Africa to use the remaining evacuation flights to return home.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, gave the warning on Monday in a post on her verified X page.

She said 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.

Odumegwu Ojukwu said Nigerians who believe their lives are at risk should immediately register for the remaining evacuation flights.

“There are no signs that the situation is improving,” she said.

She recalled that President Bola Tinubu approved an extension of the evacuation exercise beyond the June 30 deadline after the first three evacuation operations.

The extension, she said, was to give more Nigerians who wish to return home the opportunity to do so.

The minister said the fourth evacuation flight arrived in Nigeria on July 3, while another chartered flight will depart Lagos for Johannesburg on Tuesday, July 7.

She urged Nigerians still undecided about leaving South Africa to carefully weigh the risks.

“Our citizens are strongly advised to take advantage of this extension and utilise the full capacity of the aircraft,” she said.

“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 said the Federal Government remained committed to protecting the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad.