Amid renewed xenophobic violence in South Africa, the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg, in collaboration with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, has commenced arrangements to evacuate willing Nigerians, offering free repatriation flights to those opting to return home permanently.
The development follows a surge in anti-foreigner protests across major cities, including Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, where foreign nationals—particularly Nigerians—have reportedly been subjected to harassment, looting, and violent attacks.
President of NICASA, Frank Onyekwelu, confirmed the evacuation initiative in an interview, noting that many Nigerians had already indicated interest in returning due to the worsening security situation.
He said, “The Nigerian Consulate, in conjunction with NICASA, has offered free repatriation flights to Nigerians willing to leave South Africa permanently. The process is ongoing, and many have signified interest.”
Findings revealed that the unrest has forced several Nigerian-owned businesses to shut down, with traders and residents now living in fear amid targeted attacks on foreigners.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission had earlier advised Nigerian business owners to temporarily close shops to minimise risks, as protests intensified.
Reports indicate that the demonstrations are being driven by anti-immigration groups, including Operation Dudula and other local movements, accusing migrants of contributing to unemployment and crime.
Protesters have been seen in viral videos wielding sticks, chanting anti-foreigner slogans, and ordering migrants to leave.
Tensions escalated following the deaths of two Nigerians, identified as Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, in separate incidents linked to security operatives.
The Nigerian Consulate confirmed that Emmanuel allegedly died from injuries sustained after being beaten by South African National Defence Force personnel, while Andrew died after an encounter with metro police in Pretoria.
In another incident, an Ethiopian national was shot dead at close range in Johannesburg, further heightening fears among foreign communities.
The South African Police Service condemned the attacks, describing them as unlawful and contrary to democratic values.
“These actions stand in direct opposition to the principles of dignity, equality, and human rights,” the police said.
Nigerian traders have lamented mounting losses, alleging that the protests have become a cover for looting and destruction of foreign-owned businesses.
A restaurant operator in Johannesburg, Yemisi Adewale, recounted how she narrowly escaped an attack while sourcing goods at a local market.
“They are targeting shops owned by Nigerians and Ghanaians. Once they see your shop open, they attack and loot. We had to run for safety, leaving our goods behind,” she said.
She added that despite the presence of security operatives, attacks persisted, forcing many to shut down operations indefinitely.
Another trader, who spoke anonymously, described the situation as “organised violence disguised as protest,” noting that hundreds of shops had been looted.
“We are living in fear. Nobody dares open shop anymore. They pounce on anyone identified as a foreigner,” she said.
Diaspora leaders disclosed that informal traders and residents in settlement areas are the worst affected.
President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in South Africa, ABC Okokoh, said the unrest was concentrated in informal settlements, where many small-scale traders operate.
“The people most affected are those in informal settlements relying on petty trading. Their businesses have been disrupted, and many are staying indoors,” he said.
However, he clarified that the violence was not widespread across the entire country and cautioned against describing it as a full-scale xenophobic crackdown.
Similarly, President of the Association of Yorubas in Diaspora in South Africa, Olusola Agbeniyi, said there had been no confirmed casualties directly linked to the protests, attributing isolated deaths to separate incidents.
Meanwhile, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission said the Federal Government was engaging South African authorities over the crisis.
The commission’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, disclosed that the Minister of Foreign Affairs was already in talks with relevant authorities, with Nigerians awaiting the outcome of diplomatic efforts.
As tensions persist, many Nigerians continue to weigh the risks of staying against the uncertainty of returning home, with the evacuation option now offering a critical lifeline.
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