Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Nigerians living in South Africa have been urged to carefully assess their safety and consider returning home as the Federal Government prepares to conclude its evacuation programme amid persistent xenophobic attacks in the country.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, said the final government-sponsored evacuation flight is expected to arrive in South Africa on July 10, marking the end of the extended exercise approved for Nigerians willing to return.
The minister, who disclosed this in a post on her verified X account on Monday, said the government decided to prolong the evacuation window beyond the initial June 30 deadline after earlier operations successfully returned several Nigerians to the country.
She said that the latest evacuation flight landed in Nigeria on July 3, while another aircraft is scheduled to depart Lagos for Johannesburg on July 7 to bring back more citizens.
Odumegwu Ojukwu said the advisory became necessary in light of continuing attacks on migrants and growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians, particularly following the deaths of Musa Yunana, Joe and Charles Iroegbu.
She stated that Nigeria had demanded a thorough investigation into the killings and called on South African authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Warning that there was no clear indication of an improvement in the security situation, the minister urged Nigerians who feel vulnerable to take advantage of the remaining evacuation opportunities.
“There are no signs that the situation is improving,” she said.
She added, “Our citizens are strongly advised to take advantage of this extension and utilise the full capacity of the aircraft.
“The last evacuation flight is expected to arrive South Africa on 10th July. Our Nationals are again, advised to weigh the risks regarding whether to remain or return.
“For many still sitting on the fence, sending out distress calls after these evacuation exercises might have concluded, and when there was an opportunity to leave which they did not utilise, will not help matters.
“They should do well to note that properties and investments lost can be replaced, but not lives lost.”
The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the protection and welfare of Nigerians abroad, assuring that efforts to support citizens facing difficulties overseas would continue.
