A total of 67 Nigerians returning from South Africa have arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos following concerns over xenophobic attacks and rising anti-migrant tensions in the country.
The returnees arrived aboard South African Airways at about 8:45 pm on Wednesday and were received by officials from several Federal Government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
NEMA’s South-West Coordinator, Alex Oturu, said the latest return was facilitated by well-meaning Nigerians who provided assistance, including funds for flight tickets and other support, to help those affected return home.
The latest group follows the return of 83 Nigerians from South Africa the previous Thursday.
South Africa has remained a major destination for migrants from across Africa. However, the country has experienced repeated incidents of anti-migrant violence over the past two decades.
Tensions intensified this year after vigilante groups reportedly ordered undocumented foreigners to leave the country by June 30.
More than 176,000 people have left South Africa in recent weeks, according to an AFP tally based on figures provided by African countries that have repatriated their citizens.
South African police have reported that at least four migrants have been killed in the violence, although some foreign governments have put the death toll at a higher figure.
Nigeria has previously raised concerns with South African authorities over repeated attacks against its citizens and has pushed for the issue to receive greater attention at the continental level.
Ghana, which has also strongly condemned the attacks, has called for the African Union to debate the anti-migrant violence at its next summit early next year.
Nigeria is similarly seeking to have the issue placed on the AU agenda as concerns over the safety of its citizens in South Africa continue.
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