By Ebi Kesiena
The final batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks has arrived in Lagos, bringing the Nigerian Government’s emergency airlift operation to a close.
The Air Peace flight carrying 308 returnees touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, concluding the evacuation exercise coordinated by the Federal Government in partnership with Air Peace and relevant agencies.
With the arrival of the final flight, the government has completed the evacuation of Nigerians who were stranded in South Africa after a wave of anti-foreigner violence forced many to flee their homes and businesses.
Government officials received the returnees at the airport, where they underwent immigration, health screening and other documentation procedures before reuniting with their families.
The evacuation exercise was launched in response to the xenophobic attacks that targeted foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in parts of South Africa.
The violence reportedly claimed the lives of several Nigerians, while many others were displaced after their homes, shops and businesses were attacked, looted or destroyed.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Government had pledged to ensure the safe return of affected citizens while pursuing diplomatic engagements over the attacks and the losses suffered by Nigerian nationals.
