By Pospi Otuson
Cross River indigenes who recently returned to Nigeria after being repatriated from South Africa following xenophobic attacks have appealed to Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, to support and reintegrate them so they can rebuild their lives.
The returnees said many of them lost their means of livelihood in South Africa and are now struggling to start over in Nigeria. They appealed to the state government to provide assistance through employment opportunities, skills acquisition programmes, business support and other forms of empowerment.
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| Cross Riverian and a few other Nigerian returnees from South Africa. |
Speaking on behalf of the Cross River returnees in an interview with Boki Blog Africa, Michael Ojiata from Bekwarra Local Government Area said he arrived in Nigeria on 9 July 2026 as part of the fourth batch of Nigerians repatriated from South Africa.
According to him, the returnees went through several difficult experiences before leaving South Africa. He said while they were waiting to return home, accommodation became a major challenge at the Nigerian diplomatic mission, adding that a pastor identified as Pastor Harold and his wife accommodated many of them for several days when they had nowhere to stay.
The returnees also said they met Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, the Consul General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, during the evacuation process.
They explained that before leaving South Africa, they were informed that the Federal Government would provide N250,000 to each returnee after arriving in Nigeria. But they said they are yet to receive any rehabilitation package or reintegration support to help them restart their lives, except N100,000 from MTN Nigeria.
The returnees further said that after landing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at night, they were taken to the immigration office where they were documented and their details captured before being allowed to continue their journeys.
Some of the Cross River indigenes who returned include Etim Ene Edet from Calabar South Local Government Area, Michael Ojiata Abang from Bekwarra Local Government Area, Mark Obono Jude from Yakurr Local Government Area, alongside other Cross River citizens.
Appealing directly to Governor Otu, Michael Abang said many of the returnees had established businesses and careers in South Africa before the xenophobic attacks forced them to leave.
"I came back to Nigeria on the 9th of July 2026. I was among the fourth batch that came from South Africa. We are calling on His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, to come to our aid. We seek assistance from our governor in any way possible. It could be employment, vocational skills or any form of support. I was a hairstylist in South Africa and had built myself to a certain level. If I receive assistance from my governor, it will go a long way."
"We see the good work the Governor is doing in our state and we want to be part of this season of sweetness. Help us, Your Excellency. Many other Cross River returnees also need serious help because many of us were doing well in South Africa until the xenophobic situation forced us back home." He added.
The returnees also appealed to the Cross River State Diaspora Commission and the Cross Riverians in Diaspora (CRID) group to intervene by supporting their rehabilitation and helping them settle back into society.
They expressed hope that both the Cross River State Government and relevant agencies would respond to their appeal and provide the support needed to enable them become productive members of society once again.
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