By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Federal Government has announced that the first group of Nigerians returning from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks will arrive in Lagos on Thursday.
The returnees are expected to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport aboard an Air Peace flight scheduled to depart Johannesburg on Wednesday night.
This was disclosed on Tuesday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who said the flight would leave the O.R. Tambo International Airport in South Africa and arrive in Lagos at approximately 5 a.m. on Thursday.
The evacuation follows growing concerns over attacks and hostility directed at foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, prompting Nigerian authorities to facilitate the voluntary return of affected citizens.
The Federal Government said it remains committed to protecting the interests, safety and welfare of Nigerians living abroad while continuing diplomatic engagements with South African authorities over the situation.
Officials noted that the repatriation exercise is part of ongoing efforts to support Nigerians who have chosen to return home amid the security concerns.
Authorities are expected to receive the returnees upon arrival and provide necessary assistance as the evacuation process continues.
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