4th Batch Of Evacuated Nigerians Returns From South Africa As Xenophobia Crisis Deepens
The fourth batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, late Thursday aboard an Air Peace flight.
The returnees, comprising 272 adults and 12 infants, were brought back as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing voluntary evacuation exercise following escalating xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant protests in South Africa.
Images from the airport showed the passengers disembarking the aircraft and making their way across the tarmac with their luggage, while airport officials assisted families, including those with young children.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had earlier announced the departure of the flight from Johannesburg.
She said the evacuation flight departed O.R. Tambo International Airport at 2:50 p.m. South African time on Thursday, conveying 287 Nigerians, including 272 adults and 12 infants, alongside airline crew and Nigerian officials.
According to the minister, the Air Peace aircraft initially scheduled for the operation could not be used after its windshield reportedly shattered in Johannesburg. She added that the airline promptly deployed a replacement aircraft to complete the evacuation.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to providing a safe return for Nigerians who feel threatened by the ongoing anti-migrant protests and attacks in South Africa.
She also welcomed the returnees home, assuring them of the government’s continued support.
