Over 130 Nigerians Register for Evacuation as South Africa Tensions Escalate
More than 130 Nigerians have signed up for voluntary evacuation from South Africa as the Federal Government steps up measures to protect its citizens amid renewed anti-foreigner protests.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed the development in a situation update shared on Sunday, noting that the evacuation initiative is part of coordinated diplomatic and security responses involving Nigerian missions in South Africa.
According to her, the directive followed instructions from Bola Tinubu, who has called for close monitoring of the situation and reinforced protection for Nigerians living abroad. She emphasized that ensuring the safety of citizens remains the government’s top priority.
The minister confirmed that 130 individuals have already registered for evacuation, with expectations that more Nigerians may opt into the voluntary repatriation programme as concerns continue to grow.
She also revealed that Nigerian authorities have summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner as part of ongoing diplomatic engagements aimed at addressing the situation and ensuring accountability.
The rising tension is linked to renewed anti-immigrant demonstrations in cities such as Pretoria and Johannesburg, where protests have heightened fears among foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians.
While acknowledging that South African authorities, including Cyril Ramaphosa, have condemned the unrest, the minister said disturbing visuals circulating online have sparked global concern over the safety of foreigners.
She noted that protests held between April 27 and 29 were largely peaceful but required heavy security presence, with police occasionally using teargas to prevent escalation. No deaths or destruction of Nigerian-owned property were recorded during that period.
However, two separate deaths involving Nigerian nationals have raised serious concerns. One case involved Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel, who reportedly died from injuries sustained after an alleged assault by personnel of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth. Another case involved Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew, whose body was discovered at a Pretoria mortuary following an alleged encounter with metro police officers.
Describing both incidents as unacceptable, the minister said Nigerian authorities are closely monitoring investigations and pushing for justice.
She further warned of planned protests expected between May 4 and 8, prompting increased security coordination between Nigerian missions and South African authorities.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s historical support during the anti-apartheid struggle, the minister urged South Africa to uphold mutual respect and protect foreign nationals.
She also highlighted that xenophobic tensions tend to resurface periodically, often around election periods, and stressed the importance of sustained cooperation between both countries, including the implementation of early warning systems designed to prevent future crises.
