Several Nigerians in South Africa have taken refuge at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria over fears of possible xenophobic attacks, as many remain stranded despite the Federal Government’s ongoing evacuation exercise.
The situation was captured in a video shared by News Central, showing dozens of Nigerians gathered at the mission amid uncertainty surrounding the latest phase of the evacuation programme.
According to the report, only Nigerians who had been contacted by embassy officials were scheduled to board an evacuation flight to Nigeria on Monday night, while many others who arrived at the mission were left waiting.
Women and children were reportedly given priority accommodation within the embassy premises as officials worked on arrangements for the remaining evacuees.
One of the stranded Nigerians expressed optimism that additional evacuation flights would be organised later in the week.
“By God’s grace, I believe the Nigerian government is making plans for its citizens. Hopefully, more people will be evacuated by Wednesday or Friday,” the evacuee said.
While acknowledging that another batch of returnees had departed, the individual said the evacuation process had improved and expressed hope that those still stranded would soon be accommodated.
Explaining why many Nigerians had converged at the embassy despite not being scheduled to travel, another evacuee said fears of possible violence linked to planned anti-immigration demonstrations forced many to seek safety at the diplomatic mission.
“We heard there could be a crisis tomorrow, so we came to the Nigerian embassy because we don’t know what may happen. We are here for our safety,” the person said.
Another Nigerian likened the embassy to a place of refuge, saying many had fled their homes because they no longer felt safe.
“When you are being chased and living in fear, the next place you run to is your father’s house. Those gathered here are Nigerians who no longer feel safe in their communities because of the planned march,” the individual said.
The evacuee also appealed to Nigerian authorities to make adequate contingency arrangements for citizens who may not be able to leave immediately.
“We want to know the plans in place for Nigerians who are still outside the embassy and those who cannot travel immediately. Their safety should also be considered,” the person added.
The development comes as the Federal Government confirmed that another Air Peace evacuation flight departed Nigeria on Monday as part of efforts to bring home citizens willing to leave South Africa.
The evacuation followed heightened concerns over planned anti-immigration protests scheduled to commence on June 30.
The Federal Government had earlier approved five Air Peace evacuation flights for the voluntary repatriation of Nigerians. Before the latest operation, 328 Nigerians had returned home in two batches, while more than 700 others were still awaiting evacuation amid fears of renewed xenophobic attacks and logistical delays.
