Nigerians Seek Refuge At Embassy In South Africa Over Xenophobia Fears As Evacuation Delays Continue
Dozens of Nigerians have taken shelter at the Nigerian High Commission amid xenophobia fears and delays in evacuation efforts.
Dozens of Nigerians have taken shelter at the Nigerian High Commission amid xenophobia fears and delays in evacuation efforts.
Dozens of Nigerians in South Africa have sought refuge at the Nigerian High Commission amid fears of possible xenophobic attacks linked to planned anti-immigrant demonstrations, with many remaining stranded despite ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to evacuate citizens.
A video shared on Monday showed large numbers of Nigerians gathered at the High Commission as uncertainty continued over the timing and scope of the latest evacuation exercise. Women and children were reportedly given priority to remain within the mission’s premises overnight while officials worked to make arrangements for other evacuees awaiting confirmation of departure.
One of the stranded Nigerians said many of those at the High Commission were not there to board evacuation flights immediately but had gone to the mission to seek protection ahead of the anticipated demonstrations.
“Because of the rumour we are hearing that there will be a crisis tomorrow… we are here to just take safety. We don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow, so we are in the Nigerian embassy for safety.”
He said the Federal Government appeared to be making efforts to evacuate citizens, noting that a second batch of returnees had already departed.
“By God’s grace, I think the Nigerian government, they are trying to make plans for the citizens of Nigeria, maybe Wednesday or Friday, according to what they have promised us.”
Another Nigerian at the mission said those gathered there were driven by fear and had turned to the High Commission as their safest option.
“When you’ve been chased and when you’re afraid, the next thing you could do is to run to your father’s house.”
Describing the crowd outside the mission, the individual said they were “stranded Nigerians that are unsafe within their immediate vicinity because of the planned march for tomorrow.”
He appealed to Nigerian authorities to outline measures for citizens who could not be evacuated immediately.
“The request we are making to the authorities here is that what are the plans, what are the contingency plans for the Nigerians that are seen outside here for their safety, for their refuge?”
The scenes at the Nigerian mission underscore growing anxiety among Nigerians living in South Africa ahead of the planned anti-immigrant demonstrations. While some citizens have reportedly been confirmed for evacuation, many others remain uncertain about when they will be able to leave, further heightening concerns over their safety.
The latest development comes weeks after the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) raised concerns that hundreds of Nigerians enrolled in the Federal Government’s voluntary repatriation programme had been left stranded without shelter, food or financial support.
In a statement issued on Friday, NICASA National President, Frank Onyekwelu, said delays to scheduled evacuation flights had prevented many registered Nigerians from returning home despite completing the required screening and registration processes.
According to the association, the prolonged delays have created a worsening humanitarian situation, particularly for families who travelled from different provinces in South Africa after being directed to report for the evacuation exercise.
