A total of 268 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa over renewed xenophobic attacks landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday.
The returnees arrived aboard a chartered flight coordinated by the Nigerian government following a surge in violence targeting African migrants, particularly Nigerians, in parts of Johannesburg and Pretoria.
The evacuees, mostly victims of looting, arson and physical assaults on their businesses and homes, were received by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Emergency Management Agency.
Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu had earlier condemned the attacks, noting Nigeria’s historical support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle.
Some of the returnees expressed relief at being back home while lamenting the loss of their livelihoods in South Africa.
The evacuation is part of ongoing efforts to screen and repatriate over 1,000 Nigerians who registered for voluntary return. Similar exercises have been conducted for citizens of Ghana and other affected African nations.
Tensions remain high in South Africa, where local groups have issued ultimatums demanding the expulsion of undocumented foreigners.
