Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu urges Nigerians at risk to return home as fresh evacuation flights continue amid escalating xenophobic attacks

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to evacuating Nigerians from South Africa as xenophobic attacks continue, urging citizens who feel threatened to take advantage of the remaining government-sponsored flights while they are still available.

Also read: Nigeria Consulate in Johannesburg condemns fresh xenophobic attacks on businesses, churches in South Africa

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu made the appeal on Monday through her verified social media platforms, saying the government remained committed to protecting the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in South Africa.

The renewed appeal comes after the reported deaths of two Nigerians, identified as Musa Joe and Charles Iroegbu, amid escalating xenophobic protests and attacks in parts of South Africa.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu called on South African authorities to act swiftly by investigating the incidents and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.

“We demand that South African authorities urgently investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice,” the minister said.

She added that the Federal Government was encouraging Nigerians whose lives were at risk to return home through the ongoing evacuation programme.

“We are urging our citizens who consider their lives at risk to take advantage of the Federal Government’s sponsored evacuation flights to be transported home. There are no signs that the situation is improving,” she said.

According to the minister, 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.

She disclosed that the fourth evacuation flight arrived in Nigeria on July 3, following three earlier evacuation operations, while additional flights had been scheduled to continue the exercise.

“Another evacuation flight will leave for Johannesburg tomorrow, Tuesday, July 7, to bring home our citizens. The last evacuation flight is expected to arrive in South Africa on July 10,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

She urged Nigerians to make full use of the available seats on the evacuation aircraft and carefully assess the risks of remaining in South Africa under the prevailing security situation.

“Our citizens are again advised to weigh the risks regarding whether to remain or return,” she said.

The minister also cautioned against delaying decisions until the evacuation programme had ended, stressing that the opportunity currently available might not remain open indefinitely.

“They should note that properties and investments lost can be replaced, but not lives lost,” she warned.

The FG South Africa Evacuation exercise follows renewed concerns over xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

South Africa has experienced several waves of xenophobic unrest over the past two decades, with attacks often directed at migrants and foreign-owned businesses, prompting diplomatic engagements between both countries and repeated calls for stronger protection of foreign residents.

The Nigerian government has previously organised evacuation exercises during periods of heightened insecurity in South Africa, while also engaging Pretoria through diplomatic channels to improve the safety of Nigerian citizens living and working in the country.

Also read: Xenophobia crisis: Tinubu government evacuates 66 Nigerians in swift rescue

The latest extension of the evacuation programme reflects growing concern over the deteriorating security situation and the government’s determination to provide a safe route home for Nigerians who wish to leave.