A Nigerian man has relocated to Nigeria with his immediate family, leaving behind his properties in South Africa amid a surge in anti-migrant violence and xenophobic attacks. The man, known on Facebook as Nwa Otu Network, made his relocation public by sharing a video documenting his family's journey from South Africa to his home country.
"Goodbye South Africa... We're Finally Moving Back to Nigeria Our Emotional Journey," the man captioned his video. The short clip began with the man making a selfie in a room, lamenting that he was leaving behind his computer and other properties in South Africa. "With what I have now already, I am sorted," he said in the video. The next scenes showed the man, his wife, and children as they boarded an aeroplane headed to Nigeria. The clip ended with him reuniting with his family.
Reactions to the Relocation
Many Nigerians sent words of encouragement to the returning man and his family in the comment section of his Facebook post. James Obinna said: "Welcome back home bro... Soon Ala-Igbo will be free and their will be no need to travel out of desperation." Felix Victor commented: "Nwanne, you make a very good decision. You guys are welcome back home, no place like home." Presh Nkem advised: "Brother, you have really done well. Please come back home for your peace of mind. You would have moved your pc to Nigeria using sea shipping."
Ukaha Davidson said: "Nwa otu network my brother,u took a good decision. Please make sure that woman that followed you home NEVER has any reason to miss her place. I know she won't, but amplify the actions. U are a wise man. Make sure she is happy all her days. Welcome home. U can even relocate to ABA. We are doing fine this side. Otti is working." Muogbo Callistus Donkarly added: "See how excited the South African wife is, if I am not mistaken, we don't pay evil with evil because we are Nigerians and we are just unique." Cha-cha Pompey remarked: "Just look at how happy she is, one thing about South African lady. They are so secure with Nigerian guys. I remember them in 2010 when I was in South Africa. Anytime I go out to buy something at the mall, they keep asking me if I have a brother because they love Nigerian guys."
Context of Xenophobic Attacks
Thousands of foreign nationals from countries like Malawi, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe have left South Africa amid xenophobic attacks by locals. In a related story, a Nigerian man resisted shop closure demands from South African protesters. Additionally, a lady who lived in South Africa for 20 years returned to her home country amid the xenophobic attacks. According to Legit.ng, recent intimidations are not the first against immigrants in the Rainbow Nation. Episodes of xenophobic violence, often directed primarily at nationals from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and other African countries, have been reported throughout the post-apartheid period, with severe outbreaks recorded in 2008, 2015, and 2019.
