News
South Africa Returnees Seek Federal Support After Recounting Ordeal of Violence and Losses
By Rukevwe Odeh
Nigerians recently evacuated from South Africa have appealed to the Federal Government to provide urgent rehabilitation and reintegration assistance after returning home with stories of violence, discrimination and devastating financial losses.
The returnees, who fled renewed xenophobic attacks, said they were forced to abandon businesses, homes and personal belongings accumulated over several years. Many explained that they arrived in Nigeria with little or nothing, making it difficult to rebuild their lives.
According to the evacuees, the latest wave of hostility towards foreigners created an atmosphere of fear, leaving many migrants unable to move freely or renew essential immigration documents despite having legal status.
One returnee from Edo State, who had lived in South Africa for more than a decade, recalled surviving several attacks, including an incident in which armed men allegedly threatened him and seized his passport before he managed to recover it. He said foreigners had increasingly become targets regardless of their immigration status.
Another evacuee described how escalating violence forced many Nigerians to abandon years of investment and flee to safety.
Some of the returnees also claimed they encountered fresh hardship after arriving in Nigeria. They alleged that relatives entrusted with their properties and investments either took control of their assets or refused to account for them. One individual said he was lured to a supposed prayer session before being unlawfully confined after demanding information about his property.
Chikezie Igwe, another returnee, said he narrowly escaped death during the unrest, adding that a close friend who remained in South Africa despite warnings was later killed.
Mrs. Ilugbadebo Oyebola, who returned with her family after spending 11 years in South Africa, recounted experiencing discrimination in public institutions. She alleged that she was mistreated at a hospital after giving birth because she was a foreign national and said her children also faced prejudice in school due to their nationality.
Despite their painful experiences, many of the evacuees expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for facilitating their safe return. However, they stressed that evacuation should be followed by practical support, including financial assistance, business grants, vocational training and psychological counselling to help them recover from the trauma and restart their lives.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government is expected to conclude the evacuation exercise with the arrival of the final batch of 315 Nigerians from Johannesburg. Officials say the operation reflects the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad and ensuring their safe return.
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
A group of stakeholders in Warri has announced its decision to withdraw support for the incumbent member representing the Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group, while explaining its position, cited what it described as dissatisfaction with the lawmaker’s performance and representation of the constituency.
The stakeholders subsequently declared their support for Comrade Jude Ukori Mulade as their preferred candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
According to the group, its decision followed concerns over the level of representation and development delivered to the constituency under the current administration.
The stakeholders said they were seeking a representative who would be more responsive to the needs of the people and more committed to advancing issues affecting residents across the constituency.
They urged other political stakeholders and eligible voters in Warri to consider Mulade’s candidacy as the 2027 elections approach.
The group’s endorsement adds to the growing political activities and realignments expected to shape the contest for the Warri Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ereyitomi, who currently represents the constituency in the House of Representatives, has yet to publicly respond to the allegations contained in the group’s statement.
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
Residents and road users along the Warri Airport Road, particularly the section near Federal Government College in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, have continued to contend with recurring flooding despite years of road construction and rehabilitation efforts.
The affected stretch is frequently submerged following heavy rainfall, with inadequate drainage identified as a major factor contributing to the persistent flooding.
The recurring situation has raised concerns among motorists, residents and other road users, who say the condition of the road continues to disrupt movement and create difficulties for commuters whenever there is significant rainfall.
The development has also renewed calls for attention to the drainage system along the route, with residents hoping that a lasting solution will be implemented to prevent the road from repeatedly becoming flooded.
By staff Reporter: Rukevwe Odeh
A heavy downpour has left the popular NNPC Housing Complex Road, also known as Ekpan Link Road, submerged in floodwater in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
The rainfall caused significant water accumulation along the busy road, affecting movement and creating difficulties for motorists and other road users.
The condition of the road has renewed concerns over flooding and drainage challenges in the area, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Residents and commuters are expected to exercise caution while using the affected route as efforts to manage the situation continue.
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