The first group of Nigerians returned home from South Africa on Thursday as part of repatriation ordered by the government following violent anti-immigration protests.
A total of 262 passengers and three officials were on board the flight to Lagos, according to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry earlier said over 1,000 Nigerians have registered for the voluntary return.
Nigeria is the latest African nation to organise flights home from South Africa in order to protect its nationals. Since April, a series of anti-immigration protests have led to attacks against some foreigners. The protests highlight tensions between foreign workers and locals who claim foreigners are taking their jobs. South African officials have condemned them as xenophobic acts.
Nigerian Foreign Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the president ordered the “evacuation of imperiled Nigerian citizens who consider their lives at risk by continued stay in South Africa.”
“The price of your peace, and the safety of your children is worth any sacrifices you have to make, or any assets you have to leave behind when fleeing a conflict zone or hate-infested environment,” the minister said in a message to those returning.
The evacuation by Nigeria follows a similar move by Ghana, which has repatriated about 1,000 of its nationals in South Africa over the tensions.
Liberia has also expressed concerns over the safety of its citizens in South Africa. Local media have quoted President Joseph Boakai as saying that the government will take any needed steps, including facilitating similar returns to Liberia.-AP
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