FG Issues Fresh Evacuation Appeal as Xenophobic Violence in South Africa Persists

The Federal Government has renewed its appeal to Nigerians living in South Africa who fear for their safety to take advantage of the remaining government-sponsored evacuation flights, warning that the security situation has shown no signs of improvement amid continued xenophobic violence.

The latest advisory follows the deaths of two Nigerian nationals, identified as Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu, during the recent wave of anti-migrant attacks that has unsettled several communities across South Africa.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the Nigerian government remains deeply concerned about the welfare of its citizens and urged those who believe their lives are at risk not to delay returning home through the ongoing evacuation programme.

According to the minister, there are currently no indications that the security situation is improving, stressing that while lost property and investments can be replaced, human lives cannot. She encouraged eligible Nigerians to complete the necessary documentation and make use of the available evacuation flights before the exercise concludes.

The Federal Government also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu approved an extension of the evacuation exercise beyond the initial June 30 deadline to accommodate more Nigerians wishing to leave South Africa. A fourth evacuation flight has already returned evacuees to Nigeria, while the final flights are expected to conclude the operation in the coming days.

Beyond facilitating the evacuation, Abuja has demanded that South African authorities conduct thorough investigations into the killings of the two Nigerians and ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted. Nigerian officials have warned that continued attacks on foreign nationals could have wider diplomatic implications if decisive action is not taken.

The recent unrest stems from anti-migrant protests in parts of South Africa, where some groups have blamed undocumented immigrants for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. The protests have triggered violence, looting and attacks targeting foreign nationals, prompting several African countries to organise evacuation efforts for their citizens.