No fewer than 130 Nigerians have registered for voluntary evacuation from South Africa as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to protect its citizens amid renewed anti-foreigner tensions in the country.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a situation update on Sunday, noting that arrangements were underway to facilitate the safe return of willing nationals.
She explained that the evacuation move followed directives from President Bola Tinubu, who ordered close monitoring of developments and enhanced protection for Nigerians living abroad.
According to the minister, the exercise is being coordinated with Nigerian diplomatic missions in South Africa, with more citizens expected to enlist as concerns grow.
“The priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens,” she stated, adding that the government is compiling data of affected Nigerians for possible repatriation flights.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further revealed that the Nigerian government had summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner as part of ongoing diplomatic engagements over the unrest.
The development followed a resurgence of anti-immigrant protests in major cities such as Pretoria and Johannesburg, which authorities say have heightened anxiety among foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
She noted that although recent demonstrations held between April 27 and 29 were largely peaceful, they required heavy police presence to prevent escalation.
Despite the relative calm, the minister confirmed two separate fatalities involving Nigerians, allegedly linked to encounters with security personnel.
She identified one of the victims as Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel, who reportedly died from injuries sustained during an alleged assault by members of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth.
Another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew, was also reported dead following an alleged encounter with metro police officials, with his body later discovered in a Pretoria mortuary.
Describing the incidents as unacceptable, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigerian authorities were closely monitoring investigations and demanded justice for the victims.
While South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and other officials have condemned acts of violence, the circulation of disturbing images online has continued to draw global concern.
The minister warned that another round of protests expected between May 4 and 8 could further heighten tensions, prompting increased coordination between both countries.
She reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens and called for sustained collaboration with South African authorities to end recurring xenophobic attacks.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also stressed the need to remind younger generations in South Africa of Nigeria’s historical role in the country’s liberation struggle, noting that the safety of Nigerian lives and businesses must not be compromised.