The Federal Government has announced the itinerary for the arrival of the first batch of Nigerian citizens being repatriated from South Africa following ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed that the evacuees are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, in the early hours of Thursday.
According to the statement, the Air Peace flight conveying the returnees will depart the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday night and is scheduled to land in Lagos at approximately 5:00 a.m.
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The government noted that the evacuation forms part of efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerians affected by the recent wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
Recall that the Federal Government had earlier announced the conclusion of arrangements to facilitate the voluntary return of Nigerians willing to leave South Africa amid growing security concerns.
The Nigerian government has also expressed dissatisfaction with the South African authorities over the attacks, calling for stronger measures to protect foreign nationals and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
The repatriation exercise is expected to continue as the government works to assist affected citizens and monitor developments in South Africa.
