Xenophobia: First Batch Of 400 Nigerians Return From South Africa This Week

At least 400 Nigerians are said to have indicated interest to be evacuated from South Africa on Wednesday as xenophobic violence continue to intensify in the country.

A fresh xenophobic violence erupted in central Johannesburg in the afternoon of Sunday, September 8, 2019,  as  residents shunned peace calls and insisted that foreigners must leave their country.

The residents who were said to be armed, took to the streets and vandalized more foreign-owned businesses in the city.

But speaking in a statement today, the Nigerian Mission in South Africa said Nigerians have been trooping to the Mission to indicated their readiness to leave the country over the xenophobic attacks.

Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, Godwin Adama, said the Federal Government would evacuate the first batch of Nigerians in the country on Wednesday.

THE WHISTLER had earlier reported that the owner of Air Peace Airlines, Allen Onyema, had volunteered to send an aircraft to South Africa to evacuate Nigerians who wish to return to the country “free of charge.”

Speaking in the statement today, Adama said: “We have more than enough for that aircraft. Over 400 Nigerians have already registered; more are still coming.”

Speaking also on the turn out of Nigerians who wish to accept gesture, Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Kabiru Bala, said: “We are documenting them. Those without travel documents, we shall provide them with Emergency Travel Certificates,” he said.

“There are other governmental procedures that we must observe. Relevant agencies of government in Nigeria must be informed and must be ready to receive the returnees.

“Hard work is now going on at the high commission and consulate in this regard. As soon as all procedures and relevant protocols are observed, the return is assured and guaranteed. A little more patience will be helpful. The response of Nigerians is just amazing,” he said.