Xenophobia: Nigeria Announces Date To Commences Evacuation Of Citizens In South Africa

Following xenophobic attacks by South Africans against foreigners, particularly those of African descent, the Federal Government has officially announced that Nigeria will commence the evacuation of its citizens from troubled South Africa on September 7, 2019.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama made the announcement in a statement while commending Chief Allen Onyema, who volunteered his airline, Air Peace, for the evacuation.

“The ministry of foreign affairs has conveyed the generosity of a patriot Nigerian airline operator and philanthropist, Chief Allen Onyema, to evacuate distressed Nigerians in South Africa who wish to return to Nigeria. The evacuation is already scheduled for 7/09/2019,” the statement said.

The ministry also released nine phone numbers for those willing to return to Nigeria.

According to the statement, Nigerians willing to return should present their full names, village, local government and state of origin, contact address and next of kin.

They are also to provide their telephone numbers, copy of passport or any means of identification, two passport photographs.

The ministry, however, added that any Nigerian without a means of identification is also eligible to join those returning.

KanyiDaily had reported that Air Peace Airlines volunteered to send an aircraft from Friday 6th September 2019 to evacuate Nigerians who wish to return to Nigeria free of charge.