Another 105 Nigerians stranded in South Africa have returned home following a repatriation effort supported by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
The returnees, comprising 55 adults, 45 children and five infants, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, late on Friday.
Their arrival came amid concerns over anti-migrant sentiments and threats targeting undocumented migrants in South Africa.
The latest batch follows the return of 100 Nigerians from the country on September 24 under the same humanitarian intervention by the RCCG.
The church had earlier pledged to sponsor the repatriation of 500 Nigerians stranded in South Africa, leaving about 295 people expected to return in subsequent batches after completing the required profiling and documentation.
The latest arrivals also came days after September 30, a deadline issued by anti-migrant groups in South Africa for undocumented migrants to leave the country.
Pastor Belemina Obunge, chairman of the RCCG task force coordinating the exercise and Special Assistant to the General Overseer on Special Duties, said the church’s intervention was intended to complement government efforts.
He described the initiative as “a humanitarian contribution to the Federal Government’s efforts to bring stranded Nigerians home”.
Some of the returnees expressed relief at being back in Nigeria after their experiences in South Africa.
The repatriation is expected to continue in batches as the remaining beneficiaries complete the necessary documentation and profiling.
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