Fresh tension has engulfed parts of South Africa following renewed anti-immigrant protests that forced hundreds of Nigerians to flee for safety, prompting the Federal Government of Nigeria to evacuate another 271 citizens while intensifying diplomatic efforts to secure compensation for those who lost businesses, homes and other valuable assets.
The latest evacuation exercise comes amid growing fears over xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants, particularly Nigerians, as anti-immigration groups staged protests across several South African cities. Reports indicate that although many demonstrations were peaceful, isolated incidents of violence, looting, intimidation and attacks on foreign-owned businesses created panic among migrant communities.
The evacuees arrived in Nigeria aboard an Air Peace chartered flight at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, where they were received by officials of the Federal Government and emergency agencies. Many of the returnees reportedly abandoned thriving businesses, personal belongings and years of investment in South Africa in order to escape the worsening security situation.
Nigeria's Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, disclosed that the Federal Government would engage South African authorities to seek compensation for Nigerians who suffered financial losses after being forced to flee. According to him, many victims left behind properties, businesses and other investments built over several years due to fears for their lives.
The evacuation forms part of a broader intervention approved by President Bola Tinubu after renewed anti-immigrant threats triggered anxiety among Nigerians living in South Africa. Authorities have already organised multiple evacuation flights, with hundreds of citizens voluntarily returning home as tensions continue to rise.
Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad remain a priority, while maintaining that the country rejects allegations portraying Nigerians as illegal migrants responsible for South Africa's socio-economic challenges. The ministry stressed that diplomatic engagement with Pretoria would continue as both countries seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies and diaspora organisations have continued to support returning Nigerians with temporary relief and reintegration assistance. Some returnees have recounted traumatic experiences, saying they witnessed attacks on businesses, threats from mobs and widespread fear among foreign nationals before deciding to return to Nigeria.
The renewed crisis has once again revived concerns over recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, despite longstanding diplomatic and economic ties between Africa's two largest economies. Analysts warn that unless decisive measures are taken to protect foreign nationals and address the underlying causes of anti-immigrant sentiments, the relationship between Nigeria and South Africa could face renewed strain.
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