Abia Unveils ₦130m Relief, Moves to Evacuate 100 Xenophobic Attack Victims

Titus Eleweke

The Abia State Government has approved ₦130 million in financial assistance for 130 returnees affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa and plans to evacuate another 100 stranded citizens.

The State Executive Council, presided over by Governor Alex Otti, also approved ₦2 million for each family of Abians who died in the attacks.

The financial assistance will cover eligible returnees who personally funded their journeys back to Nigeria, complementing support previously extended to 31 returnees.

More than 160 returnees are expected to benefit from the emergency intervention within the next one or two months.

The government said it had also approved the screening and evacuation of 100 stranded Abians from South Africa, including transportation arrangements to their respective destinations upon arrival in Nigeria.

Their return is expected in November, with the specific date to be announced.

Beyond the immediate financial assistance, the state government is developing a long-term reintegration programme to support returnees with livelihood opportunities, economic empowerment and other identified needs.

The Ministry of Poverty and Alleviation and Social Protection is coordinating the reception and reintegration process.

So far, 12 returnees have been received in three groups, with assistance from the Redeemed Christian Church of God, which facilitated their reunion with their families.

The government said the interventions reflect its commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of Abians affected by hardship abroad and helping them rebuild their lives.