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 leave 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 rather than immediate evacuation.

Women and children were reportedly allowed to remain inside the mission overnight, while officials made temporary arrangements for others awaiting evacuation.

One of the stranded Nigerians said many had rushed to the embassy because of growing fears over 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 hope 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 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 immediately provide protection for those yet to be 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 in South Africa as anti-immigration tensions intensify.

Although some citizens have been evacuated, many remain uncertain about when they will 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 continuing, with additional 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. (The Sun)

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