Xenophobia: More Nigerians depart S’Africa

Following the repatriation of 105 Nigerians from South Africa, Nigerians in the country are in a state of fear and anxiety. Austin Okeke, a Nigerian lawyer and activist, stated that the Nigerian community is living in despair as their compatriots were repatriated by the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The second batch of returnees brought the total number of Nigerians who have left South Africa to 205, following 100 initially repatriated under the RCCG intervention scheme.

Okeke alleged that the South African government has lost control and mobs now run the affairs of the country, making Nigerians unsafe. Anti-migrant protests held across major South African cities including Johannesburg, Durban, and Pretoria last Wednesday, demanding undocumented Nigerians and other African foreigners to leave the country.

The protests, while not violent, heightened safety concerns for Nigerians as many stayed indoors and couldn't conduct their normal businesses. The National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Union South Africa, Akindele Olunloyo, reported hundreds of protesters carrying traditional weapons, while the Nigerian president's spokesman confirmed no loss of lives or looting during the demonstrations.

The protests coincided with growing concerns over the recent rise in femicide cases in South Africa.