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Another 105 Nigerians stranded in South Africa have returned home under a humanitarian evacuation programme supported by the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The latest group arrived in Lagos as concerns continue over hostility and xenophobic tensions affecting foreign nationals in the country.
The returnees comprised 55 adults, 45 children and five infants, making the latest evacuation the second major batch under the initiative. With the arrival, the number of Nigerians brought home through the church-backed exercise has risen to 205.
The humanitarian operation was launched after distressed Nigerians in South Africa appealed for assistance, with the Nigerian diplomatic mission also involved in coordinating the process. The church has committed funding to support the planned return of about 500 Nigerians, while those eligible for evacuation undergo profiling and clearance before departure.
Officials involved in the exercise said the beneficiaries were selected without consideration for their religion, tribe or church membership. The returnees are expected to receive support from relevant Nigerian agencies as they begin the process of settling back into the country.
The development comes amid renewed concerns over attacks and hostility towards migrants in parts of South Africa. With about 300 more Nigerians expected to return after completing the necessary documentation and clearance, the evacuation exercise is set to continue in batches.
