Xenophobia: Rights Group Urges FG to Pay Returnees N5m Resettlement Grant

The International Human Rights Protection Service (IHRPS), Anambra State Chapter, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, to provide at least N5 million as a resettlement package for each Nigerian returning from South Africa following the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks.
The appeal comes as the organisation raised fresh concerns over the continued killing and harassment of Nigerians in South Africa, allegedly driven by xenophobia.
The group lamented that since the first evacuation flight that brought some Nigerians back home, no additional flights have been arranged to evacuate other stranded citizens.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the organisation in Anambra State, Hon. Dr. Amb. Prince Ekwunife, and the Director of Special Duties, Mr. Ikenna Daniel Okonkwo, the group called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene to protect the lives and welfare of Nigerians still trapped in South Africa.
According to the statement:”After the first evacuation flight, many of our people are still stranded in South Africa. We call on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to save the lives of its citizens who remain in danger.
“There should be a resettlement package of at least N5 million for every returnee to enable them rebuild their lives. We believe the African Union should ensure that South Africa bears responsibility for the consequences of these attacks. Ghana reportedly provided support of 6,000 cedis to its affected citizens, and similar measures should be considered.”
The organisation further alleged that Nigerians in South Africa continue to face violent attacks.
“Our people are constantly attacked on the roads. Many now move in groups for their own safety. Several have been forced to sell their properties and leave the country with nothing, returning home as destitute.”
The group also appealed to Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu to bring the matter to the attention of President Tinubu.
“We know that Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu is a mother, and she may not yet be fully aware of the worsening situation. We urge her to immediately relay our concerns to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and ensure that urgent action is taken.”they stated.
The IHRPS strongly condemned the continued killings, describing them as a gross violation of fundamental human rights and human dignity.
“These barbaric acts are a violation of fundamental human rights, human dignity, and the African philosophy of Ubuntu — ‘I am because we are.’ No individual should lose his or her life or livelihood simply because of nationality.
“We condemn these attacks in their entirety. Violence can never be a solution to economic or social challenges.
“We call on the Government of South Africa to immediately halt these attacks, arrest and prosecute all perpetrators, and guarantee the safety and protection of all foreign nationals residing in the country.
“We also urgently appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to intervene without delay. Nigerians whose rights have been violated must be protected, and where necessary, evacuated to safety.
“Furthermore, we call on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union to urgently mediate in the crisis and take decisive steps to preserve African unity and protect the rights of all Africans living across the continent.”it stated.

The organisation maintained that African governments must work collectively to end xenophobic violence and ensure that every African, regardless of nationality, can live and work safely anywhere on the continent.