Evacuated Nigerians Recount Horror Of Xenophobic Attacks In South Africa

Some Nigerians among the first batch of returnees evacuated from South Africa have described alleged harassment, intimidation and violent attacks following renewed xenophobic tensions in the country.

The group of about 270 Nigerians is expected to arrive in Lagos on Thursday morning aboard an Air Peace flight from Johannesburg as the Federal Government continues evacuation arrangements for affected citizens.

One of the returnees, Henry, said he experienced repeated difficulties during document checks with authorities, which he described as frustrating and discriminatory in nature.

He said he was frequently asked to produce identification even after presenting valid documents, adding that the repeated scrutiny made living conditions difficult and discouraging.

“I went through a lot… even when you show your papers, they still find something,” he said.

Henry added that the experience left him with no choice but to return to Nigeria, saying he preferred to rebuild his life at home rather than continue facing uncertainty abroad.

“There is nothing I can do than to start afresh… I came back alive,” he said.

Another returnee, Emilia Godwin, alleged that Nigerians in South Africa were routinely subjected to mistreatment, including violence and humiliation, describing the environment as hostile for foreigners.

“They are wicked… they beat you. We are like slaves, we don’t have mouth to talk,” she said.

Godwin said she had lived in South Africa since 2014 but decided to return after years of worsening conditions, adding that she no longer intended for her child born there to return.

“This my child… she will never go to South Africa anymore,” she said.

She explained that although she had long hoped for better opportunities, recent years convinced her to leave due to increasing hostility and insecurity concerns affecting migrants.

“This best opportunity I’ve been waiting for since 2014… they are wicked,” she added.

The accounts come amid renewed reports of xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has previously triggered diplomatic tensions and concerns across the African continent.

The evacuation forms part of Federal Government efforts to assist Nigerians willing to return home, following reports of harassment and insecurity affecting foreign nationals in affected areas.

Authorities say arrangements are ongoing to ensure safe return and reintegration of evacuees as diplomatic engagement continues with South African officials.