Amid escalating unrest in South Africa, the Nigerian Consulate, in partnership with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), has begun offering free repatriation flights to Nigerians willing to return home permanently.
NICASA President Frank Onyekwelu confirmed the initiative, saying: “The Nigerian Consulate in conjunction with NICASA has offered a free repatriation flight… and the process is ongoing.”
The development follows a surge in anti‑foreigner protests across Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, and KwaZulu‑Natal.
Groups such as Operation Dudula have been linked to harassment, looting, and destruction of foreign‑owned businesses.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) advised Nigerians to shut down businesses temporarily to minimise risks.
Many say they are now living in fear, forced indoors as attacks increasingly target foreign nationals, particularly traders.
The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians: Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew.
Consul‑General Ninikanwa Okey‑Uche said Emmanuel allegedly died after being assaulted by South African Defence Force personnel, while Andrew died following an encounter with metro police in Pretoria.
In a separate incident, an Ethiopian national was shot dead in downtown Johannesburg, further heightening fears among migrant communities.
Businesses Shuttered And Government Response
Nigerian traders report widespread looting and destruction. Restaurant owner Yemisi Adewale said: “They are using the protest as a cover to loot and destroy our businesses… Once your shop is open, they attack immediately.”
Another trader described the unrest as “organised violence,” noting that hundreds of shops have been looted, forcing business owners to shut down completely.
Diaspora leaders offered mixed views. ABC Okokoh of Ohanaeze Ndigbo said informal traders in settlement areas were most affected, while Olusola Agbeniyi of the Association of Yorubas in Diaspora insisted there were no confirmed casualties directly linked to the protests themselves.
The South African Police Service condemned the attacks, saying intimidation of foreign nationals violates democratic values.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu‑Ojukwu, is engaging South African authorities as diplomatic efforts continue.
The unrest reflects growing tension over immigration and economic hardship in South Africa.
Nigerians now face a difficult choice: remain in uncertainty or take the next evacuation flights back home.
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