By Rukevwe Odeh

More than 15,000 Nigerians are reportedly still waiting to leave South Africa as concerns grow over renewed anti-immigrant demonstrations expected to begin today. The Federal Government has continued its voluntary evacuation programme, assuring citizens that those willing to return home will receive assistance.

Officials confirmed that another group of 271 Nigerians is scheduled to be flown back to Nigeria as part of the ongoing repatriation exercise. Authorities also emphasized that the evacuation will continue beyond the current timeline to ensure every interested citizen has an opportunity to return safely.

Despite the government’s efforts, some stranded Nigerians have alleged that certain individuals involved in the evacuation process demanded money before including their names on the passenger list. According to the claims, those unable to pay have remained stranded, while others have resorted to purchasing their own flight tickets. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rejected the allegations, insisting that the evacuation process is free and that no official has been authorized to collect money from returnees.

The ministry disclosed that the evacuation operation is being carried out in partnership with Air Peace and supported by agencies including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), which will process returnees upon arrival in Nigeria.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated that President Bola Tinubu has directed that evacuation flights should continue until every Nigerian who wishes to return home is safely evacuated. She reiterated that the protection of Nigerians abroad remains a priority for the government.

Nigerians who choose to remain in South Africa have been advised to stay away from protest areas, avoid unnecessary travel, and maintain regular contact with the Nigerian High Commission for security updates.

Meanwhile, anxiety has increased following the reported killing of a Nigerian businessman, popularly known as “Big Joe,” who was allegedly shot outside his business premises in Witbank, Mpumalanga Province. The President of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, Smart Nwobi, confirmed the incident, describing it as one of two recent attacks involving Nigerian nationals amid heightened hostility toward foreign Africans.

By Favour Bibaikefie

The Federal Government has successfully evacuated another group of 66 Nigerians from South Africa as efforts continue to assist citizens affected by renewed xenophobic attacks.

The returnees, who make up the second batch of evacuees, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday evening.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the development, noting that the latest evacuation follows the earlier return of 258 Nigerians who were flown back to the country on June 11.

According to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the evacuation was coordinated with support from the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa and facilitated through a special ValueJet flight.

Speaking on behalf of NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the commission’s Lagos office commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the evacuation exercise and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bringing home all registered Nigerians who wish to return.

The commission also disclosed that several organisations and individuals provided assistance to the returnees. Some beneficiaries from Imo State are expected to receive financial support from the state government, while other donations, including cash support and communication packages, were provided by private organisations and individuals.

The evacuees expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and other stakeholders for ensuring their safe return to Nigeria. Officials from relevant government agencies were present at the airport to receive and process the returnees.

The ongoing evacuation exercise is part of the Federal Government’s response to the recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.FG Brings Home 66 More Nigerians from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Violence

The Federal Government has successfully evacuated another group of 66 Nigerians from South Africa as efforts continue to assist citizens affected by renewed xenophobic attacks.

The returnees, who make up the second batch of evacuees, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday evening.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the development, noting that the latest evacuation follows the earlier return of 258 Nigerians who were flown back to the country on June 11.

According to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the evacuation was coordinated with support from the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa and facilitated through a special ValueJet flight.

Speaking on behalf of NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the commission’s Lagos office commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the evacuation exercise and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bringing home all registered Nigerians who wish to return.

The commission also disclosed that several organisations and individuals provided assistance to the returnees. Some beneficiaries from Imo State are expected to receive financial support from the state government, while other donations, including cash support and communication packages, were provided by private organisations and individuals.

The evacuees expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and other stakeholders for ensuring their safe return to Nigeria. Officials from relevant government agencies were present at the airport to receive and process the returnees.

The ongoing evacuation exercise is part of the Federal Government’s response to the recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.

By Rukevwe odeh

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced he is stepping down after a weekend of growing political pressure and speculation about his leadership. The development follows Andy Burnham’s recent victory in the Makerfield by-election, which intensified debate within the Labour Party over Starmer’s future.

Starmer’s resignation comes amid declining support within his party and a series of poor electoral performances, including losses in recent local elections that weakened Labour’s standing. Internal dissatisfaction had been building for weeks, with senior figures questioning whether he should continue leading the party into the next general election. �

AP News

Andy Burnham, who won the Makerfield seat and is widely viewed as a leading contender for Labour’s leadership, is now expected to play a central role in the party’s next phase, with speculation growing that he could ultimately succeed Starmer. �

Reuters

Starmer, who led Labour to a historic election win in 2024, is expected to remain in office temporarily while arrangements for a leadership transition are madeHis departure marks a major turning point for the Labour Party, which now faces a leadership transition at a critical moment. Attention is expected to turn toward potential successors and how the party intends to stabilize its direction going forward.