Xenophobic attacks: Leave South Africa while you can, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu advises Nigerians

By our reporter 6.7.2026
Nigeria’s foreign minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has advised Nigerians still in South Africa to take advantage of government evacuation flights and leave.
Several African countries have been forced to evacuate their citizens from South Africa following xenophobic attacks by South African citizens who accused foreigners of taking over their jobs. Many black migrants have been killed including four Nigerians in the attacks by locals.
According to Mrs. Odemegwu-Ojukwu Nigeria is ready to move any of its citizens who willingly wants to return home as another evacuation flight takes off from South Africa.
“Another evacuation flight will leave for Johannesburg tomorrow, Tuesday, 7th July, to bring home our citizens,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu wrote on her X social media platform.
“Our Nationals are again advised to weigh the risks regarding whether to remain or return.
“Those who consider their lives at risk to take advantage of the FG-sponsored evacuation flights to be transported home.”
She said the Federal government has extended the evacuations and “Our citizens are strongly advised to take advantage of this extension and utilise the full capacity of the aircraft.”
She condemned the killing of two Nigerians recently calling on authorities to “urgently investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice”.
“There are no signs that the situation is improving.
“Nigeria remains concerned about the safety of its citizens in South Africa as a result of the ongoing xenophobic protests and attacks on migrants, and even more so following the deaths of 2 Nigerians, Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu, during these unfortunate events,” the minister said.
“For many still sitting on the fence, they should do well to note that properties and investments lost can be replaced, but not lives lost,” she wrote.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad and will put all necessary measures in place to protect them.”