Nigerians seek refuge at embassy in South Africa amid anti-immigrant protest fears
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Nigerians in South Africa have sought refuge at the Nigerian High Commission due to fears of potential xenophobic attacks, with many reporting they remain stranded despite ongoing evacuation efforts by the Federal Government. A video shared by News Central on Monday showed dozens of Nigerians gathered at the embassy. Only those contacted by the embassy were scheduled to depart for Nigeria on Monday night, leaving many others stranded. Women and children were prioritized to stay within the embassy premises overnight. One stranded Nigerian expressed optimism for further evacuations later in the week, noting improvements in the process. Many gathered at the embassy out of fear of violence from planned anti-immigrant demonstrations. Individuals stated they fled their homes for safety at the embassy, likening it to running to "your father's house." Appeals were made to Nigerian authorities for contingency plans for those unable to leave immediately. This situation coincides with the Federal Government confirming another Air Peace evacuation flight departed Nigeria on Monday, following concerns over anti-immigrant protests expected to begin on June 30. The Federal Government had previously approved five Air Peace evacuation flights. Before this latest operation, 328 Nigerians had been evacuated, with over 700 reportedly still stranded due to bureaucratic delays and rising fears of xenophobic attacks.
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