Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrive Lagos amid Xenophobic tensions
By Lamidi Bamidele & Nkiru Nnorom
Nigerians evacuated from South Africa have safely returned to Lagos following recent outbreaks of xenophobic violence that heightened fears among many members of the Nigerian community.
The returnees touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at approximately 10:15 a.m. on Thursday aboard an Air Peace flight.
The operation forms part of the Federal Government’s ongoing evacuation programme initiated in response to renewed attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, was expected to welcome the evacuees upon their arrival at the airport.
The evacuation follows increasing concerns over the welfare and security of Nigerians living in South Africa amid reports of violent incidents and attacks directed at foreign-owned businesses and migrant communities.
The Federal Government had previously reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with South African authorities to safeguard Nigerian citizens and prevent any further escalation of the situation.