No fewer than 130 Nigerians have registered for voluntary evacuation flights from South Africa following renewed anti-foreigner protests in parts of the country.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a situation report shared via her X handle on Sunday.
She said the evacuation arrangement forms part of diplomatic and security measures being coordinated by Nigerian missions in South Africa to safeguard citizens affected by the unrest.
According to the minister, the move followed directives from President Bola Tinubu, who ordered close monitoring of developments and stronger protection for Nigerians living in the country.
“The President has reiterated that the priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens,” she stated.
Mrs Odumegwu-Ojukwu added that arrangements were ongoing to compile details of Nigerians willing to return home through voluntary repatriation flights.
“So far, 130 applicants have duly registered for the exercise with our mission,” she said, noting that the figure could rise as more Nigerians indicate interest in returning home.
Nigeria Summons South African Envoy
The minister also confirmed that the Federal Government summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner over the renewed anti-immigrant demonstrations.
She said diplomatic engagements were ongoing with South African authorities as concerns grow over the safety of Nigerians in cities such as Johannesburg and Pretoria.
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“There is heightened anxiety over the series of anti-foreigner protests, also targeted at Nigerians in select cities in the Republic of South Africa in recent weeks,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
She disclosed that President Tinubu had expressed concern over the development after receiving security briefings on the situation.
“He has called for more effective control of the situation by relevant host security services,” the minister added.
Government Condemns Xenophobic Violence
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said although South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and security agencies had condemned violence linked to the protests, disturbing images circulating online had generated widespread concern globally.
“The images pervading both mainstream and social media depicting violence, carnage and targeted xenophobic killings of foreign nationals, alongside hate speeches and incendiary anti-migrant statements, have generated worldwide condemnation,” she stated.
According to her, demonstrations held between April 27 and 29 in Pretoria and Johannesburg were largely peaceful but witnessed heavy deployment of security personnel.
“The protests spearheaded by a local anti-migration movement witnessed largely peaceful processions under the watch of heavily armed police officers who occasionally deployed teargas to prevent violence,” she explained.
The minister added that there was no confirmed case of killings or destruction of Nigerian-owned businesses during the latest protests.
Two Nigerians Confirmed Dead
Despite the relative calm during the demonstrations, the minister confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians in separate incidents allegedly linked to security personnel.
She said Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel died on April 25 from injuries allegedly sustained after being assaulted by members of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth on April 20.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also disclosed that Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew died following an alleged encounter with members of the Tshwane Metro Police.
His body, according to the minister, was later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary on April 20.
“This is utterly condemnable and unacceptable. The Nigerian High Commission is closely monitoring investigations into these unfortunate incidents, and Nigeria demands justice,” she said.
Fresh Protests Expected
The minister warned that another round of demonstrations is expected between May 4 and 8, prompting increased diplomatic and security coordination between Nigeria and South Africa.
She said Nigerian diplomatic missions were working closely with South African authorities to ensure the safety of citizens while evacuation plans continue.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also reminded South Africa of Nigeria’s historical role during the anti-apartheid struggle.
“Nigeria is a frontline state which made great sacrifices towards the liberation struggles of South Africa, a fact which needs to be passed on to the younger generation,” she stated.
She further warned that attacks on Nigerians and their businesses must not continue unchecked.
“Nigerian lives and businesses in South Africa must not continue to be put at risk, and we remain committed to working with South Africa to end this pattern of xenophobic attacks,” the minister added.
According to her, xenophobic tensions often escalate during election periods in South Africa, with some anti-immigration groups using such sentiments for political gains.
She noted that both countries recently signed a memorandum of understanding on early warning mechanisms aimed at protecting citizens during periods of tension.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.