Bianca Ojukwu announces final evacuation flights, says lives are more important than property amid fresh attacks.
The Federal Government has urged Nigerians in South Africa who fear for their safety to take advantage of its final evacuation flights, warning that xenophobic attacks in the country show no signs of easing.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the government remains deeply concerned following the deaths of two Nigerians, Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu, during the recent wave of anti-foreigner violence.
She disclosed that Nigeria has demanded a thorough investigation by South African authorities and justice for the victims, while encouraging Nigerians who feel unsafe to return home through the Federal Government’s evacuation programme.
According to the minister, President Bola Tinubu approved an extension of the evacuation exercise beyond the initial June 30 deadline. She revealed that another evacuation flight will depart for Johannesburg on Tuesday, July 7, while the final flight is scheduled for July 10.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu advised Nigerians still undecided to carefully assess the risks, stressing that lost properties and investments can be replaced, but lives cannot.
The Federal Government also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad, noting that arrangements have been concluded to evacuate about 270 citizens from South Africa, with the returnees expected to arrive in Lagos aboard an Air Peace flight as part of the ongoing voluntary repatriation exercise.