The Federal Government has issued a fresh advisory to Nigerians living in South Africa, who feel unsafe have been advised to take advantage of the remaining government-sponsored evacuation flights scheduled to arrive in the country on July 10.
The advice is contained in a post by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, on her verified X page on Monday while announcing a final call for documentation for Nigerians wishing to return home under the ongoing evacuation exercise.
While pointing at the continued xenophobic protests and attacks on migrants, especially after the deaths of two Nigerians, Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu, the minister noted that Nigeria remains deeply concerned about the safety of its citizens in South Africa.
Disclosing that the federal government had demanded that South African authorities urgently investigate the killings and ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice, Ambassador Odumegwu Ojukwu urged Nigerians who believe their lives are at risk to immediately register for the remaining evacuation flights, as there are no indications that the security situation is improving.
The Minister who warned that seeking assistance after the evacuation exercise has ended may come too late, made it clear that lost properties and investments could be replaced, but lives could not.
“Our citizens are strongly advised to take advantage of this extension and utilise the full capacity of the aircraft.
“The last evacuation flight is expected to arrive South Africa on 10th July. Our Nationals are again, advised to weigh the risks regarding whether to remain or return.
“For many still sitting on the fence, sending out distress calls after these evacuation exercises might have concluded, and when there was an opportunity to leave which they did not utilise, will not help matters.
They should do well to note that properties and investments lost can be replaced, but not lives lost,” the Wife of the Late Ikemba Nnewi noted.
