Xenophobia Fears Leave Over 700 Nigerians Stranded in South Africa

More than 700 Nigerians remain stranded in South Africa as uncertainty grows ahead of a June 30 deadline issued by anti-immigration groups, despite the Federal Government's approval of funds for their evacuation. Bureaucratic delays have reportedly stalled the rescue operation, leaving hundreds exposed to rising xenophobic tensions.

Sources within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa said funds approved for four additional evacuation flights have yet to be released to the designated airline, Air Peace. As a result, the carrier has reportedly declined to deploy aircraft until payment is confirmed.

Officials disclosed that more than 1,000 Nigerians initially registered for evacuation, but only 324 have so far returned home through government and private efforts. The remaining 700-plus Nigerians continue to await evacuation as fears mount over possible attacks linked to anti-foreigner protests.

The President of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, said the renewed wave of xenophobic violence has claimed the lives of more than 20 Nigerians, while many others have suffered assaults, displacement, and the destruction of their businesses. Other Nigerians still in the country have expressed growing anxiety as the June 30 deadline approaches.

Representatives of the Nigerian community in South Africa said many immigrants continue to face harassment, intimidation, forced evictions, and attacks, urging both governments to intensify efforts to protect lives and complete the evacuation process before tensions escalate further.