By Palang Paul
As South Africa’s June 30 deadline looms, over 700 Nigerians remain trapped in a dangerous limbo in Johannesburg, exposed to a rising tide of xenophobic violence.
Despite Nigerian President Bola Tinubu approving funds two weeks ago to evacuate citizens, bureaucratic delays have stalled the rescue mission, leaving hundreds at risk.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa have confirmed that Air Peace, the airline designated for the evacuation, won’t resume flights until payments are confirmed. Of the 1,000 registered evacuees, only 324 have returned so far—leaving many stranded after an initial flight brought 258 Nigerians home.
The delay forced some evacuees, who gathered at Johannesburg’s airport for a second flight, to return to the High Commission for temporary shelter and feeding. Though ValueJet stepped in for a second rescue flight on June 24, the majority remain in peril, with vigilante groups targeting foreigners more aggressively each day.
Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, President of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, confirmed that more than 20 Nigerians have lost their lives since late 2025—victims of extrajudicial killings, looting, and public humiliation. As anti-immigrant movements like Operation Dudula and March and March escalate, the June 30 deadline is no longer just a date—it is a looming threat to life.
While the Nigerian government vows to continue evacuation efforts, the families waiting for their loved ones fear time is limited. As the deadline approaches, every hour counts.
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