No fewer than 130 Nigerians have registered for voluntary evacuation from South Africa as tensions linked to anti-foreigner protests continue to raise safety concerns.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a situation update shared on Sunday, stating that the move forms part of measures to protect Nigerian citizens abroad.
She noted that the evacuation plan was initiated following a directive from President Bola Tinubu, who ordered close monitoring of developments and enhanced protection for Nigerians in the country.
According to the minister, arrangements are ongoing to compile details of affected citizens willing to return home, adding that the number of registrants may increase.
“The president has emphasised that the safety of Nigerians remains paramount. Efforts are underway to organise voluntary evacuation flights, and so far, 130 individuals have registered through our mission,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further revealed that the Federal Government had summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner as part of ongoing diplomatic engagements over the situation.
She expressed concern over renewed anti-immigrant demonstrations in major cities such as Pretoria and Johannesburg, noting that the protests have heightened fears among Nigerians residing there.
“There is growing anxiety over the recent wave of anti-foreigner protests, some of which have targeted Nigerians in specific locations,” she stated.
The minister added that although South African authorities, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, had condemned the unrest, disturbing images circulating online had sparked global reactions.
She explained that protests held between April 27 and 29 were largely peaceful but required heavy security presence, with police occasionally deploying teargas to prevent escalation.
“There were no reported cases of Nigerians being killed or their properties destroyed during those particular demonstrations,” she said.
However, Odumegwu-Ojukwu confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians in separate incidents allegedly involving security operatives.
She identified one of the victims as Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel, who reportedly died from injuries sustained after an alleged assault by members of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth.
Another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew, was also said to have died following an encounter with the Tshwane Metro Police, with his body later found at a mortuary in Pretoria.
Describing the incidents as unacceptable, the minister said Nigeria was closely monitoring investigations and had demanded justice for the victims.
She also warned that fresh protests expected between May 4 and 8 could further heighten tensions, prompting increased coordination between Nigerian and South African authorities.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that Nigeria remained committed to working with South Africa to curb recurring xenophobic attacks, noting that such incidents often intensify during political cycles.
“Nigeria has made significant contributions to South Africa’s liberation, and it is important that this history is recognised. The safety of Nigerian lives and businesses must not be compromised,” she added.
