Another 105 Nigerians stranded in South Africa have returned to the country through a humanitarian initiative organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), amid concerns over reported xenophobic attacks against migrants.
The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos late Friday night. The group comprised 55 adults, 45 children and five infants.
Their arrival followed the return of 100 Nigerians from South Africa on September 24, also facilitated through the church’s intervention.
The RCCG had previously pledged to sponsor the return of 500 Nigerians stranded in the country. With the latest arrival, 205 people have reportedly returned under the initiative, leaving approximately 295 more expected to return in subsequent batches, subject to the completion of profiling and documentation.
Return Follows Tensions Over Anti-Migrant Campaigns
The latest repatriation comes amid concerns over anti-migrant activities in South Africa, including warnings issued by anti-migrant groups directing undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country by September 30.
The situation has heightened concerns among Nigerians living in South Africa, particularly those facing uncertainty over their safety and immigration status.
However, the circumstances of individual returnees and whether they were directly affected by specific attacks were not detailed in the information provided.
RCCG Describes Initiative as Humanitarian Support
Speaking about the exercise, Pastor Belemina Obunge, chairman of the RCCG task force overseeing the repatriation and special assistant to the church’s general overseer on special duties, said the initiative was intended to support the Federal Government’s efforts to bring stranded Nigerians home.
The intervention is aimed at helping Nigerians return safely through an organised process involving the necessary profiling and documentation.
Some of the returnees reportedly expressed happiness and relief at arriving back in Nigeria.
The latest group adds to the number of Nigerians brought home under the church’s pledge, while further returns are expected as arrangements for the remaining beneficiaries are completed.
The development highlights the role of humanitarian organisations in assisting citizens facing difficult circumstances abroad, alongside government-led efforts to protect Nigerians overseas.
