Xenophobia: FG extends evacuation, demands justice for slain Nigerians

The Federal Government has announced that another evacuation flight will leave for Johannesburg on Tuesday to bring more Nigerians back home as concerns grow over renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed the development in a statement released on her official X account on Monday.
According to the minister, the new flight is part of the ongoing evacuation programme introduced to assist Nigerians who wish to leave South Africa due to the worsening security situation.

She explained that the latest operation follows the successful return of four groups of Nigerians since the exercise began last month. The government also confirmed that the final evacuation flight under the current arrangement is expected to arrive in South Africa on July 10.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu advised Nigerians still living in South Africa to carefully assess their personal safety and make informed decisions about whether to remain in the country or return to Nigeria.

She urged those who believe their lives are under threat to take advantage of the government-sponsored flights, noting that President Bola Tinubu approved an extension of the evacuation exercise beyond the original June 30 deadline to allow more citizens to return safely.

The minister said the extension was intended to ensure that every available seat on the evacuation aircraft is fully used by Nigerians who wish to come home.
She also condemned the recent killing of two Nigerians in South Africa and called on South African authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the incidents.

The Federal Government further urged the authorities to identify those responsible for the attacks and ensure they are brought before the law, while reaffirming its commitment to protecting the lives and welfare of Nigerians living abroad.