The Federal Government has announced that the first batch of Nigerians returning from South Africa due to ongoing xenophobic attacks will arrive in the country on Thursday.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the returnees are expected to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at approximately 5:00 a.m.
The statement noted that the evacuation flight, which will be operated by Air Peace, is scheduled to depart O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday night before arriving in Lagos early Thursday morning.
The repatriation exercise is part of efforts by the Nigerian government to ensure the safety and welfare of its citizens affected by the recent wave of violence and hostility directed at foreigners in South Africa.
Authorities said arrangements have been made to receive the returnees upon arrival and provide the necessary support to help them settle back into the country.
The Federal Government had earlier announced that it was working closely with relevant agencies and Nigerian diplomatic officials in South Africa to facilitate the voluntary return of citizens who no longer feel safe remaining in the country.
The latest development follows reports of renewed xenophobic attacks in several South African communities, which have left many foreign nationals, including Nigerians, living in fear and uncertainty.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly condemned the attacks and called on South African authorities to take urgent and decisive measures to protect lives and property, regardless of nationality.
Officials have also expressed disappointment over what they described as the recurring nature of xenophobic violence in South Africa, despite previous commitments by the country’s authorities to prevent such incidents.
Meanwhile, the government has assured Nigerians in South Africa that it remains committed to their safety and will continue to monitor the situation while exploring further measures to assist those affected by the unrest.
