By Our Correspondent
National News – Nigerians living in South Africa are increasingly returning home as fresh xenophobic attacks spread across major cities, raising fears over safety, livelihoods, and human rights.
The unrest, which escalated in late April 2026, has affected cities including Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Durban.
The Nigerian Consulate, in partnership with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, has arranged free repatriation flights for those willing to leave permanently.
This intervention comes as many Nigerians shut down businesses and remain indoors to avoid violence.
The attacks, driven by anti-immigration groups accusing foreigners of crime and economic hardship, have resulted in looting, harassment, and destruction of properties owned by migrants, particularly Nigerians and Ghanaians.
Reports confirmed that two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, died in separate incidents linked to security confrontations, intensifying fears among the diaspora community.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that protesters, often armed with sticks, target foreign-owned shops and traders.
Victims described how they were forced to abandon goods and flee for safety as mobs vandalised businesses.
Many now face heavy financial losses, with hundreds of shops reportedly looted.
The situation has disrupted economic activities and forced business owners to suspend operations indefinitely.
While some community leaders argue the violence is concentrated in informal settlements, others warn that the psychological toll is widespread.
Nigerian authorities, including the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, are engaging South African officials to address the crisis and ensure citizens’ protection.
The South African Police Service has condemned the attacks, stating they violate democratic values of equality and human dignity.
However, affected Nigerians insist that security presence has not effectively stopped the violence.
The crisis highlights ongoing tensions around immigration and unemployment in South Africa and raises urgent questions about regional stability and migrant safety.
As evacuation efforts continue, many Nigerians are left weighing the risks of staying against the uncertainty of returning home.
