By Ayodele Oni
The final batch of 315 Nigerians trapped in South Africa xenophobic attacks are expected to arrive Lagos on Wednesday.
Federal Government has already concluded arrangements for their evacuation from South Africa, with the final batch of returnees expected to arrive in Lagos on Wednesday as part of ongoing efforts to protect citizens affected by recent xenophobic attacks and security concerns in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, saying the evacuation flight would be operated by Air Peace.
According to the ministry, the aircraft is scheduled to depart South Africa at 1:30 a.m. on July 15 and arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 6:30 a.m.
The evacuation marks the final phase of the Federal Government’s repatriation programme for Nigerians who voluntarily requested to return home following reports of xenophobic attacks, harassment and growing security concerns in parts of South Africa.
The government had earlier conducted four separate evacuation flights, bringing home hundreds of Nigerians affected by the crisis.
The most recent batch comprised 40 returnees, while the latest operation is expected to bring the total number of evacuees to several hundred.
The evacuation exercise was coordinated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, relevant South African authorities and Air Peace.
The Federal Government initiated the programme after a resurgence of anti-foreigner sentiment and attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in some South African communities.
Similar evacuation efforts were undertaken by Nigeria in previous years following outbreaks of xenophobic violence that claimed lives, destroyed businesses and displaced foreign residents.
In the statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians living abroad, assuring that diplomatic engagements would continue to ensure the protection of citizens wherever they reside.
“The Federal Government remains committed to safeguarding the interests, dignity and well-being of Nigerians across the world,” the ministry stated.
The ministry also expressed appreciation to all stakeholders involved in the evacuation process, including diplomatic officials, aviation authorities and other agencies that facilitated the safe return of the affected citizens.
The arrival of the final batch is expected to bring to a close the current evacuation operation launched in response to the latest wave of xenophobic incidents and security concerns in South Africa.
As at last count, not less than five Nigerians have list their life in the violence orchestrated by the South Africans.
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