The Federal Government has evacuated another batch of 287 Nigerian nationals from South Africa following the ongoing wave of anti-migrant protests and xenophobic attacks in the country.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Lady Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday, disclosing that the evacuation flight departed the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 2:50 p.m. South African time.
The evacuation exercise experienced a temporary setback after the windshield of the Air Peace aircraft initially deployed for the mission reportedly shattered in Johannesburg, forcing the plane to remain grounded.
However, the airline quickly deployed a replacement aircraft to complete the operation and ensure the stranded Nigerians were safely evacuated.
The evacuees, comprising individuals fleeing hostile conditions, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday evening.
According to Ojukwu, the passengers included 272 adults and 15 infants, in addition to airline crew members and Nigerian government officials.
“On board the aircraft are 287 nationals comprising 272 adults and 15 infants, in addition to the airline crew and Nigerian officials.
The Air Peace aircraft earlier scheduled to evacuate this batch of evacuees was unable to operate after its windshield reportedly shattered in Johannesburg.
Air Peace swiftly deployed a replacement aircraft to facilitate this operation,” the minister said.
She reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians living abroad and assured citizens affected by the unrest in South Africa that efforts would continue to guarantee their safety.
“The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria remains committed to providing a pathway to safety for its citizens who consider themselves and their families at risk by remaining in South Africa as a result of the anti-migrant protests and incidents which have engulfed the country. To the returnees, we say in advance, ‘Welcome Home,’” Ojukwu stated.
