The Nigerian Government has confirmed the evacuation of Nigerians willing to leave South Africa after the recent wave of violence in the country that targeted African foreigners.
Out of the 600 Nigerians to be airlifted by Air Peace Airlines, 320 are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhamed International Airport, Ikeja at this morning.
The Nigerian Consul-General, Godwin Adama, while confirming the news said;
“We are documenting people through the filling of relevant forms with information such as place of birth, state of origin, local government areas. We also check nationality and discourage wives from different nationalities to avoid bringing in other nationals. We equally discourage those wanting to take advantage of the flight.” Adama pulsse.ng
He added that the second batch will be evacuated on Thursday.
“The manifest for the first flight is ready and we are working on the next flight. The two missions are working together to make a success of the evacuation. Nigerians will be conveyed in buses from the two missions to the airport at early hours of the morning to ensure smooth operations.” Adama pulse.ng
While speaking to eNCA, a South African television news network, at the airport, a Nigerian man said he was leaving because the country is hostile to foreigners.
A Nigerian who says he is going back home. He says SA is so hostile at the moment and even if it settles down he doesn’t think he will come back. His family is waiting for him back home. #XenophobicAttacks #Nigerians #eNCA pic.twitter.com/qro0mzmYoG
— Heidi Giokos (@HeidiGiokos) September 11, 2019