Xenophobia: 130 Nigerians Register For Evacuation From South Africa
No fewer than 130 Nigerians have registered for voluntary evacuation flights from South Africa as the Federal Government moves to protect its citizens amid renewed anti-foreigner protests.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a situation report shared on her X handle on Sunday.
She said the evacuation plan forms part of wider diplomatic and security efforts being coordinated with Nigerian missions in the country.
According to her, the move followed directives from President Bola Tinubu, who ordered close monitoring of developments and stronger protection for Nigerians abroad.
“The President has reiterated that the priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens,” she said.
She added that arrangements were ongoing to collate details of Nigerians willing to return home through voluntary repatriation.
“So far, 130 applicants have duly registered for the exercise with our mission,” the minister stated, noting that more registrations were expected.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also revealed that the ministry had summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner over the unrest, adding that diplomatic engagements were ongoing.
The development follows renewed anti-immigrant protests in cities such as Pretoria and Johannesburg, which have raised concerns over the safety of foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
“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,” she said.
She noted that President Cyril Ramaphosa and other officials had condemned the violence, although disturbing images circulating online had sparked global concern.
“The images pervading both mainstream and social media depicting violence, carnage and targeted xenophobic killings of foreign nationals, alongside hate speeches and anti-migrant rhetoric, have generated worldwide condemnation,” she added.
The minister explained that protests held between April 27 and 29, 2026, were largely peaceful, though heavily policed, with security operatives occasionally deploying teargas to prevent escalation.
She clarified that no Nigerian was killed or had property destroyed during those particular demonstrations.
However, she confirmed two separate deaths involving Nigerians linked to security operatives.
One victim, Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel, reportedly died on April 25 from injuries allegedly inflicted by personnel of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth.
Another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew, was said to have died following an alleged encounter with members of the Tshwane Metro Police, with his body later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.
Describing the incidents as unacceptable, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria was demanding justice.
“This is utterly condemnable and unacceptable. The Nigerian High Commission is closely monitoring investigations into these incidents,” she said.
She further disclosed that another round of protests is expected between May 4 and 8, prompting intensified security and diplomatic coordination.
The minister stressed that Nigeria remains committed to working with South Africa to end recurring xenophobic attacks.
“Nigeria is a frontline state which made great sacrifices towards the liberation struggles of South Africa, a fact that must be passed on to younger generations,” she said.
She added that Nigerian lives and businesses must no longer be exposed to danger, noting that both countries recently signed a memorandum of understanding on early warning systems to protect citizens.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
