Xenophobic attacks: Nigeria shifts evacuation of citizens from South Africa to Wednesday

THE Nigerian government has postponed the evacuation of Nigerian citizens seeking to leave South Africa following the recent xenophobic attacks targeting Black foreigners in the country.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, announced the development in a statement issued on Monday.

According to him, the first batch of evacuees, initially scheduled to be airlifted on Monday, will now depart on Wednesday due to unforeseen logistical issues.

Ebienfa explained that President Bola Tinubu had approved 5 evacuation flights to be operated by Nigeria’s private carrier, Air Peace.

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He said the first flight is expected to convey about 270 passengers from Johannesburg on Wednesday evening after the completion of all required permits and operational clearances.

The ministry’s spokesman also disclosed that the federal government had extended the screening exercise for Nigerians willing to return home until Wednesday.

“I received confirmation from our mission in Pretoria that the screening exercise of Nigerian nationals who have indicated interest to be evacuated back home has been extended to Wednesday.

“So far, more than 500 persons have been screened and cleared,” Ebienfa stated.

The evacuation follows renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa.