Xenophobia: Nigerian govt receives 67 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa
SIXTY-SEVEN Nigerians have been brought back from South Africa amid renewed concerns over xenophobic incidents and protests targeting foreign nationals in the country.
The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, late Wednesday aboard a South African Airways flight.
Their arrival came seven days after another 83 Nigerians were repatriated from South Africa under a similar arrangement.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said private individuals financed the latest repatriation, as they did with the previous exercise.
She said the initiative was necessary against the backdrop of continuing concerns regarding the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa, where xenophobic incidents and demonstrations demanding the deportation of foreigners have been reported.
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The latest group comprises 30 adults, 34 children and one infant, with the returnees drawn from 13 states: Lagos, Enugu, Kogi, Ogun, Imo, Oyo, Delta, Edo, Anambra, Osun, Benue, Abia and Kwara.
The foreign affairs minister appealed to the affected state governments to provide assistance to their returning citizens and complement the Federal Government’s repatriation efforts.
According to her, several of the returnees had been forced to leave behind their livelihoods and properties in South Africa, making relocation and resettlement support critical to their reintegration.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also urged state authorities to help ease the psychological and emotional difficulties experienced by Nigerians returning under such circumstances.
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SKimiebi Ebienfa,pokesperson for the foreign ministry, said Ikem Ume-Ezeoke, who coordinated the exercise, and businessman Charles Mba spoke with the returnees following their arrival.
He said the two men also provided N50,000 to each of the 67 returnees as immediate financial assistance.
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Stella Odiche
Researcher-Reporter
Lagos, Nigeria
Stella Odiche is a researcher and reporter. She lives in Lagos and reports topics such as aviation, oil and gas, banking and general business. She is award-winning journalist and wideliy travelled researcher.
