Evacuation
By Fortune Abang
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to evacuating the fourth batch of Nigerians from South Africa, in the bid to ensure their safety and welfare.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this on her verified social media platforms on Monday saying government would put all necessary measures in place to protect Nigerians.
The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that two Nigerians, namely Musa Joe and Charles Iroegbu have died as Xenophobic protests and attacks escalate in South Africa.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said: “We demand that South African authorities urgently investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice.
“We are urging our citizens who consider their lives at risk to take advantage of the Federal Government’s sponsored evacuation flights to be transported home. There are no signs that the situation is improving.”
She revealed that President Bola Tinubu extended the evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa beyond the June 30th deadline, with the fourth evacuation flight having arrived in Nigeria on July 3, 2026 following earlier evacuation in three separate operations.
This according to her, Nigerians are strongly advised to take advantage of this extention and utilise the full capacity of the aircraft to guarantee their safe return.
“Another evacuation flight will leave for Johannesburg tomorrow Tuesday July 7, to bring home our citizens. The last evacuation flight is expected to arrive South Africa on July 10.
“Our citizens are again advised to weigh the risks regarding whether to remain or return,” the minister advised.
She stressed that sitting on the fence, sending out distress calls after the evacuation exercises might have concluded, as there was an opportunity to leave, people did not, will not help matters.
“They should note that properties and investments lost can be replaced, but not lives lost,” she warned. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Halima Sheji