Abuja reports that over 130 Nigerians are requesting repatriation from South Africa following recent protests
Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said that at least 130 Nigerians living in South Africa have asked their government to fly them home because of the riots there that were aimed at foreigners.
On Sunday, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said that they were the first people to apply for a new program that Nigeria’s government started to help its citizens go back to their home country. This was done because of fears that the situation in South Africa could get worse.
Last week, there were protests in Pretoria and Johannesburg calling for tougher action against illegal immigration. They said that undocumented foreigners were putting a strain on jobs, public services, and security.
The people who fight for migrant rights say that strangers have been blamed for South Africa’s economic problems for a long time.
Last month, South Africa said it would punish anyone who attacks people because of their race or religion. This came after Ghana and other African countries said their own citizens had been victims of violence and abuse.
The government of Nigeria said that more protests would happen on May 4 and May 8. They would be closely watching what happened.
It had already called South Africa’s High Commissioner in Abuja to talk about the situation. The minister also said that its foreign missions in South Africa are working with local authorities to make things safer for Nigerians.
