The Nigerian Consulate in South Africa, along with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, has extended a free repatriation flight to Nigerians who wish to return home permanently amid the rising xenophobia crisis.
Speaking to Saturday PUNCH, NICASA President Frank Onyekwelu admitted that many Nigerians have been forced to close their stores and enterprises due to the circumstances.
He claims that although there isn’t yet a formal support system for impacted Nigerians, the consulate’s assistance is already giving individuals who want to leave a way out.
Onyekwelu also added that many Nigerians were already indicating interest in returning home.
He said, “The Nigerian Consulate in conjunction with NICASA has offered a free repatriation flight to any Nigerian who wishes to leave South Africa permanently, and the process is ongoing as we have recorded many Nigerians signalling interest to return home.”
Meanwhile, Nigerians in South Africa have narrated their harrowing ordeals.
They bemoaned the fact that their safety, livelihoods, and mental health were still in danger due to the ongoing violence.
In towns like Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, East London, and portions of KwaZulu-Natal, violent anti-foreigner demonstrations broke out, causing harassment, looting, property destruction, and injuries.
Consequently, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has advised Nigerian company owners to temporarily close their operations in order to reduce risks and prevent losses due to the anxiety and panic this has caused within the diaspora community.
BACKSTORY…
Following xenophobia attacks connected to the contentious installation of a Nigerian as Igwe Ndigbo, Nigerians in the Eastern Cape of South Africa have become terrified.
Amid the crisis, the Nigerian consulate in Johannesburg, South Africa additionally verified the death of two Nigerians identified as Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew.
In response, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) issued an urgent safety warning to Nigerians in South Africa, asking them to shut their businesses and avoid confrontations over rising xenophobic attacks.
