Stranded Nigerians in South Africa Demand Urgent Evacuation

Stranded Nigerians in South Africa are expressing distress over prolonged delays in evacuation flights, which have left them without food, shelter, or financial support. Reports indicate that hundreds of Nigerians, including women, children, and the elderly, are enduring harsh conditions while awaiting repatriation.

Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, president of the Nigerian Citizen Association in South Africa (NICASA), has called on the federal government to expedite the evacuation process, citing the dire situation faced by stranded citizens.

Many have been forced to sleep in difficult conditions and are running out of resources. The community has raised concerns about poor communication and alleged mistreatment during the registration process for evacuation.

Onyekwelu has urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies to provide immediate support and facilitate the remaining evacuation flights. The situation is exacerbated by rising xenophobic tensions in South Africa, with undocumented Nigerians fearing for their safety as a deadline for anti-immigration actions approaches.