Their Only Crime Was Skin Colour – NiDCOM On Xenophobia
The chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has condemned the treatment of Nigerians living in South Africa.
She reacted after the arrival of the first group of 258 evacuees brought back to Nigeria.
The returnees were part of Nigerians affected by recent tensions in the country. Her comments were made during a television interview.
Dabiri-Erewa spoke on a Channels Television programme, where she described the experience of the evacuees. She said their ordeal was painful, disappointing and difficult to hear.
According to her, many of them faced hardship mainly because of their nationality and appearance. The situation has raised fresh concern about safety for Nigerians abroad.
She said the reports from the returnees showed clear cases of unfair treatment. Many of them had to leave South Africa under distressing conditions.
The evacuation exercise was carried out to bring affected citizens back home safely. Authorities continue to monitor the situation for further developments.
NiDCOM said it remains in contact with relevant bodies to support Nigerians in distress abroad. The commission also restated its commitment to protecting citizens in the diaspora.
Officials say more coordination will continue as efforts are made to assist affected Nigerians. The focus remains on ensuring safe return and support for evacuees.
