Xenophobia: Over 400 Nigerians Register To Return Home From South Africa

The Nigerian Mission in South Africa says no fewer than 400 Nigerians have registered to take advantage of the offer by Air Peace to ferry Nigerians willing to leave South Africa over the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks.

Foreign nationals in South Africa, including Nigerians, have come under attacks over the past week, leading to reprisal attacks back home in Nigeria and some other African countries against South African.

Nigeria’s Consular General in Johannesburg, Godwin Adama, while speaking on Sunday, said that Air Peace had offered to airlift those willing to return home, and that the first batch of Nigerians who were willing to return home will be repatriated on Wednesday.

“We have more than enough for that aircraft. Over 400 Nigerians have already registered; more are still coming,” he said.

Also speaking on the development, Kabiru Bala, Nigerian high commissioner to South Africa, revealed that Nigerians in the country had responded positively in good numbers, adding that the mission was also responding to those who had issues with their documents.

“We are documenting them. Those without travel documents, we shall provide them with Emergency Travel Certificates,” he said.

“There are other governmental procedures that we must observe. Relevant agencies of government in Nigeria must be informed and must be ready to receive the returnees.

“Hard work is now going on at the high commission and consulate in this regard. As soon as all procedures and relevant protocols are observed, the return is assured and guaranteed. A little more patience will be helpful. The response of Nigerians is just amazing.”