The Federal Government (FG) has intensified efforts to evacuate Nigerians from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks that have claimed the lives of two citizens and heightened fears over the safety of migrants.
The government identified the deceased as Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu, whose deaths occurred during the ongoing wave of anti-foreigner violence that has swept parts of South Africa.
In a statement issued on Monday by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Federal Government expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation, noting that there were no signs the unrest was easing. It called on the South African authorities to urgently investigate the killings and ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
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The government also urged Nigerians still residing in South Africa, particularly those who believe their lives are at risk, to take advantage of the ongoing evacuation programme being sponsored by the Federal Government.
According to the statement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the extension of the evacuation exercise beyond the earlier June 30 deadline to enable more Nigerians willing to return home to do so safely.
The extension followed three previous evacuation operations, with the fourth batch of evacuees arriving in Nigeria on July 3.
The government disclosed that another evacuation flight would depart for Johannesburg on Tuesday, 7 July, to airlift more Nigerians, while the final evacuation flight under the current arrangement is expected to arrive in South Africa on 10 July.
It appealed to Nigerians yet to register for evacuation to make use of the available flights, stressing that sufficient capacity had been provided to accommodate returnees.
The Federal Government advised its citizens to carefully assess the risks of remaining in South Africa amid the persistent violence, emphasizing that while damaged or abandoned businesses and properties could be replaced, lives lost could not.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the lives and welfare of Nigerians abroad and pledged to continue taking all necessary measures to ensure their safety as the situation unfolds.
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