The Federal Government has extended its evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa, citing worsening xenophobic, violence and the deaths of two citizens.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu announced on Monday that President Bola Tinubu approved more chartered flights after the June 30 deadline, following the killings of Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu during recent attacks.
“The safety of Nigerians in South Africa remains a serious concern,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said on X. “Given the ongoing protests and attacks on migrants, and especially after the deaths of two Nigerians, we cannot stand by.”
She urged South African authorities to investigate the deaths immediately and bring those responsible to justice.
The government said the fourth evacuation flight landed in Nigeria on July 3. Another flight is scheduled to leave for Johannesburg on Tuesday, July 7, with the final flight set to arrive in South Africa on July 10.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu called on all Nigerians who feel unsafe to take the government-sponsored flights while space is available.
“For those still undecided, please weigh the risks carefully,” she said. “Properties and investments can be replaced. Lives cannot.”
She reiterated that protecting Nigerians abroad remains a top priority for the administration and that more support measures will be put in place if needed.
