Nigerians Stranded in South Africa Plead for Urgent Evacuation

(Governor Umo Eno. Photo by Daily Post)

Nigerians stuck in South Africa, including people from Akwa Ibom State, have called on their governor and the Federal Government to help them leave the country.

They say the attacks on foreigners have not stopped despite promises from the South African government that things would improve.

The Nigerians said the violence is deeply rooted in South African society and will not disappear quickly.

South Africans continue to openly show anger toward foreigners, particularly Nigerians.

One man from Akwa Ibom said there are warnings of another planned march against foreigners where businesses owned by non-South Africans could be shut down and outsiders forced out.

Many Nigerians are now gathering at the Nigerian consulate every day hoping to hear about another evacuation.

He said the Federal Government sent only five planes and they were not enough. Many people sold their homes and left their apartments but are now stuck without food or money.

He missed the evacuation flights because he was taking final exams at a South African college and expects to finish in October this year.

Once exams are over, he said he has no reason to stay given the fear everyone feels.

Another man from Akwa Ibom said he has repeatedly asked the government for another evacuation but received no help.

He said raising money for a plane ticket home is extremely hard.

He mentioned that a Nigerian was k!lled last week after he allegedly tried to defend himself in his apartment.

The body remained on the street for three days before officials removed it.

The Nigerians are particularly worried about a planned protest against foreigners scheduled for September 30, 2026.

They fear staying until then could expose them to more att@cks.

One man urged the governor not to abandon those still stranded.

He noted that other foreign governments have been evacuating their citizens and the number of foreigners in South Africa has dropped significantly.