The Federal Government on Wednesday, July 15, concluded its evacuation of Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with the arrival of the final repatriation flight carrying 308 returnees. The aircraft landed at about 11:30 a.m. and also conveyed three government officials who participated in coordinating the evacuation exercise.
Over 1,500 Nigerians evacuated
With the arrival of the final batch, more than 1,500 Nigerians have now been evacuated from South Africa under the Federal Government’s emergency repatriation programme. The exercise was launched following renewed xenophobic incidents in parts of South Africa that forced many Nigerians to seek assistance to return home.
Minister commends Tinubu’s commitment
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the successful completion of the exercise reflected President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians living abroad. She said the President’s intervention ensured the safe return of citizens who were affected by the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
According to the minister, Tinubu’s decision to extend the evacuation beyond the June 30 deadline earlier issued by anti-migrant groups in South Africa demonstrated his resolve to protect Nigerians facing crisis situations outside the country.
Reintegration support urged
Odumegwu-Ojukwu welcomed the returnees and commended officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa and other government agencies for coordinating the evacuation. She also urged the returnees to take advantage of available government support as they reintegrate into society.
The evacuation flights were operated by Air Peace, with the fifth and final flight paid for by the federal government, as confirmed by social media reports.
