The Federal Government has evacuated another 33 Nigerian nationals from South Africa following continued reports of xenophobic attacks and targeted killings involving Nigerians in the country.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, disclosed the latest evacuation while providing an update on efforts to assist Nigerians affected by the security situation.
The returnees were drawn from several states across Nigeria, including Delta, Ogun, Imo, Lagos, Enugu, Oyo, Edo, Ondo and Bayelsa.
The latest evacuation comes amid concerns over attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, two Nigerians, James Uchechukwu Nwankwo and Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, were killed during incidents recorded in the country this month.
The Federal Government has continued to engage with relevant authorities while monitoring developments affecting Nigerian nationals in South Africa. The latest return exercise was largely funded by private groups and individuals, according to the ministry.
The evacuation has also generated wider political and diplomatic reactions in Nigeria.
The National Assembly has suspended official visits to South Africa and declined participation in legislative events in the country amid concerns over the safety of Nigerians and the reported attacks.
The development comes as state governments and other organisations continue to receive Nigerians returning from South Africa and provide assistance to them.
In a related development, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah recently received 112 returning indigenes from South Africa and announced financial support for the returnees as they settled back into the country.
The continued evacuations have placed renewed attention on the broader Nigeria-South Africa relationship and the need to address recurring concerns over xenophobia, attacks against foreign nationals and the safety of Nigerians living and working in South Africa.
Nigerians constitute a significant migrant community in South Africa, with many involved in business, professional services, education and other economic activities. However, tensions involving foreign nationals have periodically resulted in attacks, particularly during periods of economic hardship and social unrest.
The Federal Government has repeatedly called for the protection of Nigerian citizens abroad and for authorities in host countries to take appropriate measures against perpetrators of violence.
The latest evacuation represents another effort to provide a pathway home for Nigerians who feel unsafe or whose circumstances have been affected by the ongoing incidents.
As the situation develops, diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and South Africa is expected to remain important in addressing security concerns and protecting the interests of Nigerians living in the country.
