Xenophobia: Nigerian embassy packed as 269 more return from S’Africa

The Federal Government has assured Nigerians in South Africa of their safety as another 269 evacuees arrived in Lagos, even as anti-migrant protests and embassy overcrowding in Pretoria deepen concerns over their welfare.

Embassy besieged as more Nigerians flee South Africa xenophobia

According to a report by Punch, the Federal Government has reassured Nigerians still in South Africa of their safety as fresh xenophobic tensions push more citizens to flee. Nigerians reportedly stormed the country’s embassy in Pretoria as another 269 evacuees landed in Lagos on Tuesday aboard an Air Peace flight from Johannesburg, marking the second government-coordinated evacuation.

A Nigerian businessman known as “Big Joe” was shot dead outside his shop in Witbank on Sunday, as thousands of South Africans marched nationwide demanding the removal of undocumented migrants. Police said about 25,000 migrants have been repatriated so far, with isolated looting and vandalism recorded despite largely peaceful protests.

Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner, Temitope Ajayi, said many stranded Nigerians ignored embassy directives and instead followed community announcements, leading to overcrowding at churches and the mission itself. About 700 Nigerians remain to be evacuated, with additional flights expected in coming days.

President Cyril Ramaphosa met protest leaders ahead of the demonstrations, urging peaceful conduct while acknowledging immigration concerns raised by citizens.