Nigerians seek refuge at Pretoria embassy amid xenophobia fears
Dozens of Nigerians in South Africa have gathered at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, fearing possible xenophobic attacks linked to planned anti‑immigrant demonstrations, with many remaining stranded despite ongoing federal evacuation efforts. A video shared by News Central on Monday shows crowds outside the embassy, where women and children were given priority to stay inside overnight while officials arranged further departures.
The situation matters because evacuees describe an uneven pace: a second batch of returnees has already left, yet many remain outside uncertain about when they can leave, lacking shelter, food or financial support. This mirrors a NICASA report from earlier this month that hundreds of Nigerians enrolled in the voluntary repatriation programme were left stranded in South Africa after evacuation flights were delayed, deepening a humanitarian crisis for families who travelled from various provinces to report for the exercise.
What should you know or do? Monitor official embassy channels for departure updates; if you cannot leave immediately, ask about contingency plans for those left outside. Will you rely on embassy guidance, seek alternative safe shelter nearby, or prepare to wait longer for the next evacuation batch?