The Nigerian Consulate in South Africa, in collaboration with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), has offered a free repatriation flight to Nigerians willing to return home permanently. This comes amid escalating xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals in cities including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, and East London .
Two Nigerians have been killed in separate incidents linked to the attacks. Amaramiro Emmanuel died from injuries allegedly sustained after being beaten by South African National Defence Force personnel on April 20, while Ekpenyong Andrew was arrested on April 19 and his body later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary .
The Consul-General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, confirmed these developments and called on South African authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and bring perpetrators to justice . Nigerians in South Africa have reported being forced to stay indoors amid widespread looting, harassment, and destruction of properties. Many businesses including supermarkets and shops owned by Nigerians have been looted or destroyed .
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has directed Nigerian business owners to temporarily shut down to minimize risks and avoid losses . Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Federal Government to activate a coordinated evacuation plan for Nigerian students in South Africa willing to return home, describing their safety as a “national emergency” .
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