A total of 67 Nigerian returnees from South Africa have arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos State, bringing the number of Nigerians repatriated with assistance from a philanthropic group to 150.
Arrival and Reception at Lagos Airport
The returnees landed at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a South African Airways flight on Wednesday night, August 26. They were received by officials from Federal Government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
This latest batch follows the earlier return of 83 Nigerians, according to the report. The total number of Nigerians repatriated with the group's assistance now stands at 150.
Support and Financial Assistance for Returnees
Speaking to the returnees, representatives of the philanthropic group, Ikem Ume-Ezeoke and Chief Charles Mba, welcomed them back to Nigeria and presented each person with N50,000 as immediate financial support.
The South West coordinator of the agency, Alex Oturu, said the return of this batch of Nigerians was due to xenophobic challenges in the rainbow nation. He noted that the repatriation was facilitated by good-spirited Nigerians who assisted with flight tickets and other help.
Context of Xenophobic Violence and Regional Impact
According to an AFP tally based on figures provided by African countries that have repatriated their nationals, more than 176,000 people have left in recent weeks. At least four migrants have been killed in the violence, according to the South African police, though some foreign governments say the death toll is higher.
The arrival of the 67 returnees marks a continued effort to bring Nigerians home amid the ongoing situation in South Africa.
