Xenophobia: Nigerians feeling unsafe should leave South Africa, FG advises

Nigeria's Federal Government has issued a new advisory for its citizens residing in South Africa, urging those who feel unsafe to utilize the remaining government-sponsored evacuation flights. The final flight is slated to depart on July 10, as concerns mount over ongoing xenophobic attacks.

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There are no signs that the situation is improving.

Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced the final call for documentation for those wishing to return home. She expressed Nigeria's deep concern for its citizens' safety, particularly after the recent deaths of two Nigerians, Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu. The Nigerian government has formally requested South African authorities to investigate these killings and bring the perpetrators to justice.

"There are no signs that the situation is improving," Ambassador Odumegwu Ojukwu stated, advising Nigerians who perceive a risk to their lives to register immediately for the available flights. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had previously approved an extension of the evacuation exercise beyond the original June 30 deadline to accommodate more citizens.

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Our Nationals are again, advised to weigh the risks regarding whether to remain or return.

The minister highlighted that while lost properties and investments can be recovered, lives cannot. She urged Nigerians still undecided about returning to carefully weigh the risks, warning that seeking assistance after the evacuation concludes may be too late. "Our Nationals are again, advised to weigh the risks regarding whether to remain or return," she added.

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For many still sitting on the fence, sending out distress calls after these evacuation exercises might have concluded, and when there was an opportunity to leave which they did not utilise, will not help matters. They should do well to note that properties and investments lost can be replaced, but not lives lost.