67 Nigerians Return to Lagos Amid Xenophobic Attacks

On Wednesday at approximately 8:45 PM, 67 Nigerians arrived at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos from South Africa aboard a South African Airways flight, amid rising concerns over xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in the country. The returnees were welcomed by officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons.

Alex Oturu, the South-West Coordinator of NEMA, stated that the return was facilitated by support from Nigerians who provided flight tickets and assistance. This group of returnees follows another batch of 83 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa less than a week prior.

Reports indicate that over 176,000 individuals have left South Africa recently due to violence, with at least four migrants reportedly killed. The situation has prompted Nigeria to advocate for discussions at the African Union level regarding the treatment of its citizens in South Africa.