‘South Africa Treated Us Like Animals’ – Nigerian Returnees Reveal Xenophobic Attacks

Hundreds of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa have opened up on the harsh conditions they faced before returning home, alleging repeated attacks, intimidation and harassment that forced them to abandon their lives and businesses.

The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a government-backed evacuation flight after renewed anti-immigration tensions in parts of South Africa.

Politics Nigeria reports that the Federal Government had earlier announced plans to assist affected citizens willing to return.

Many of those who spoke after landing described their experience as painful. They claimed they were constantly targeted because they were foreigners and lived in fear of losing their lives.

One of the returnees, Rafiu Wasiu, a mechanic, said the hostility became unbearable and left many Nigerians with no option but to leave.

“I’m so happy right now. I’m glad to be returning home safely. They started the attacks alongside warnings that we should leave the country,” he said.

According to him, many foreigners became easy targets for criminals and hostile groups.

“You can just see them on the street calling you. They will say, ‘Hey, come here, let me have your phone.’ If you resist, they bring out a knife and stab you. And, the police will do nothing.”

He added, “These are black South Africans. They treat us like animals. They don’t have any regard for us.”

Wasiu also accused some security officials of extorting migrants.

“Two weeks ago, I was sitting with my friend when the police came. They picked him up and we had to pay 2,500 rand to secure his release,” he alleged.

Despite the setback, he said he was determined to start afresh in Nigeria.

“I am not lazy and I am happy to be back in my country. I will look for a job and do it with peace of mind.”

Another returnee, Milly Abuh, said she lost her source of livelihood after authorities shut down her small business.

“The police came and closed down the business because I could not provide what they called proper documentation. When I tried to ask questions, they started beating me,” she claimed.

Lara Jacob also narrated how her plans collapsed despite having legal documents.

“I wasn’t staying illegally in South Africa. I had my permit. But, when I wanted to renew it, they refused. They told us to go home and fix our country,” she said.

She alleged that foreigners regularly lived under threats.

“They always threatened that they would kill us all if we didn’t leave their country. The situation became like a place with no laws when it comes to foreigners.”

For Justine Okonkwo, returning home meant leaving part of his family behind. He disclosed that his wife and two children remained in South Africa after their clothing business was shut down.

“We were selling clothes but the place where we do business was shut down. They claimed we were taking their jobs,” he said.

According to him, survival became more important than holding on to investments.

“I chose to secure my life first. I am not planning to go back there.”

The arrival of the returnees has again brought attention to the recurring issue of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, where foreign nationals have repeatedly faced violence linked to unemployment and economic frustrations.

The Federal Government has continued the screening and evacuation process for Nigerians who wish to return, with officials saying more citizens may be brought back in the coming days.