In response to xenophobic violence, 105 Nigerians return from South Africa
The group of 82 adults and 23 children arrived in Lagos on September 24. The tickets for 100 travelers were funded by a donation from the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
One hundred five Nigerians, including 23 children, arrived in Lagos on Thursday, September 24, after leaving South Africa. This latest return comes amid a backdrop of xenophobic violence and increasing pressure on foreigners in the country.
The group, consisting of 82 adults and 23 children, traveled on South African Airways flight SA060. The plane landed at 8:30 pm, according to a statement from the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released on September 25.
The tickets for 100 passengers were funded by a donation of $265,854 from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). This funding is intended to cover a total of 500 one-way tickets. A Nigerian national covered the travel expenses for the remaining five individuals in the group.
Upon their arrival, the returnees were welcomed by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, the National Emergency Management Agency, and the agency responsible for combating human trafficking.
Earlier in September, Abuja had called for a response from the African Union regarding the attacks on African migrants in South Africa. The ministry noted that other Nigerians in distress are still undergoing preliminary checks with the consulate and South African authorities before future departures.
Comments