By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Federal Government has evacuated 593 Nigerians from South Africa following a recent wave of xenophobic protests, while firmly denying allegations that citizens were charged to participate in the evacuation exercise.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the evacuation was part of the government’s commitment to protecting the lives and welfare of Nigerians living abroad amid growing security concerns in parts of South Africa.
According to the ministry, three additional evacuation flights have been scheduled to bring home about 700 more Nigerians who have registered for voluntary repatriation.
The government also dismissed reports circulating on social media that returnees were asked to pay for their evacuation, describing the claims as false and misleading.
Officials maintained that the evacuation exercise is being fully funded by the Federal Government and that no Nigerian returning under the programme is required to pay any fee.
The ministry urged members of the public to disregard unverified reports capable of creating unnecessary panic among Nigerians in South Africa and their families at home.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the latest evacuation follows renewed concerns over attacks on foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, where incidents of xenophobic violence have periodically targeted immigrants, including Nigerians, resulting in calls for stronger diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the interests of Nigerians wherever they reside, assuring that it would continue to work closely with South African authorities and relevant international partners to ensure the safety of its citizens.
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Authorities also encouraged Nigerians in South Africa who wish to return home voluntarily to register through the appropriate diplomatic channels, assuring them of continued government support throughout the repatriation process.
