105 citizens returned to Nigeria from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks — Premium Times Nigeria

On September 24, 105 citizens of Nigeria evacuated from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks on Black foreigners arrived in Lagos, Nigeria. According to Premium Times Nigeria, South African Airways flight SA060 landed at around 8:30 p.m.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the arrivals included 82 adults and 23 children. They were received by government representatives.

Funding for the return

The ministry said that the return of 100 people was funded by the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The church donated more than $265,854 to purchase one-way tickets for the evacuation of 500 Nigerians facing hardship in South Africa.

The costs of returning another five citizens were covered by a private individual from Nigeria, the Foreign Ministry said. The country’s diplomatic mission continues contacts with the church leadership in South Africa, other charitable groups and individuals regarding the evacuation of other Nigerians.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

Some of the people planned for evacuation are undergoing preliminary screening at the Nigerian consulate in Johannesburg and by the relevant South African authorities. The Foreign Ministry said they would be evacuated after this procedure is completed.

Data on the dead

Since the beginning of the new wave of xenophobia in April, about 1,640 Nigerian citizens have been evacuated from South Africa, including 33 people who returned last month. At least five Nigerians have died since the violence began.

According to the publication, the Nigerian consulate described the death of Chika Simon after contact with the South African Police Service as occurring under suspicious circumstances. The deaths of Amaramiro Emmanuel, Ekpenyong Andrew, Emeka Iroegbu and Musa Joe were also reported. Investigations into these cases are ongoing, and no arrests have been made.