Stranded Nigerians seek refuge at embassy over attack fears

Dozens of Nigerians have taken refuge at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria over fears of xenophobic attacks, as delays in the Federal Government’s evacuation programme have left many stranded ahead of planned anti-immigration protests in South Africa.

A video shared on Monday showed scores of Nigerians gathered at the High Commission, seeking protection instead of immediate evacuation.
Women and children were reportedly allowed to remain inside the mission overnight, while officials made temporary arrangements for others waiting to be evacuated.
One of the stranded Nigerians said many rushed to the embassy because of growing fears surrounding the planned demonstrations.
“Because of the rumour we are hearing that there will be a crisis tomorrow… we are here to just take safety.
“We don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow, so we are in the Nigerian embassy for safety.”
He said the Federal Government had begun evacuating some citizens and expressed optimism that more Nigerians would soon be airlifted home.
“By God’s grace, I think the Nigerian government, they are trying to make plans for the citizens of Nigeria, maybe Wednesday or Friday, according to what they have promised us.”
Another Nigerian said fear had forced many people to abandon their homes and seek refuge at the diplomatic mission.
“When you’ve been chased, and when you’re afraid, the next thing you could do is to run to your father’s house.”
Describing the situation outside the High Commission, the individual added: “These are stranded Nigerians that are unsafe within their immediate vicinity because of the planned march for tomorrow.”
He appealed to Nigerian authorities to urgently provide protection for those who had not yet been evacuated.
“The request we are making to the authorities here is that what are the plans, what are the contingency plans for the Nigerians that are seen outside here for their safety, for their refuge?”
The development highlights growing anxiety among Nigerians living in South Africa as anti-immigration tensions continue to rise.
Although some citizens have already been evacuated, many remain uncertain about when they will be able to leave the country.
The latest incident comes weeks after the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) warned that hundreds of Nigerians registered under the Federal Government’s voluntary repatriation programme had been left stranded after evacuation flights were delayed.
NICASA President Frank Onyekwelu said many of those affected travelled from different parts of South Africa after completing screening and registration, only to be left without accommodation, food or financial support because of the prolonged delays.
The Federal Government has since confirmed that evacuation operations are ongoing, with more Nigerians expected to return home in subsequent batches.
However, many citizens remain at the Nigerian High Commission, hoping to be evacuated before tensions escalate further.