RCCG Evacuates Another 105 Nigerians From South Africa

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has repatriated another 105 Nigerians from South Africa, bringing to 205 the number of distressed Nigerians evacuated under its humanitarian intervention.

The latest returnees, comprising 55 adults, 45 children and five infants, arrived in Lagos as part of the church’s plan to evacuate 500 Nigerians stranded in South Africa amid renewed concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.

The intervention followed appeals from Nigerians in South Africa and the Nigerian High Commission, prompting RCCG General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, to approve the exercise on humanitarian grounds.

The church has committed $265,265.854 to fund one-way air tickets for the 500 Nigerians targeted under the programme.

Speaking on the intervention, Chairman of the RCCG Task Force on the Reception of Nigerian Returnees from South Africa and Special Assistant to the General Overseer on Special Duties, Pastor Belemina Obunge, said the exercise was aimed at complementing the Federal Government’s efforts.

Obunge said the church responded after receiving what he described as an “SOS clarion cry” from Nigerians in South Africa, which was later echoed by the Nigerian High Commission.

“The RCCG’s efforts basically are a humanitarian contribution towards the efforts of the Federal Government in making sure that Nigerians who were stranded in South Africa are brought back,” he said.

“There was an SOS clarion cry by Nigerians in South Africa. The High Commission in South Africa echoed it; it reached the ears of the General Overseer, and he, with a heart of compassion, determined that the Church should intervene.

“It was resolved that 500 Nigerians stranded in South Africa should be brought in and airlifted, sponsored by the Church.”

According to Obunge, the first batch of 100 Nigerians returned last week, while the latest 105 constituted the second batch. About 300 more Nigerians are expected to return after completing the required documentation and clearance procedures.

He explained that the Nigerian High Commission, working with South African authorities, profiles affected Nigerians before forwarding their details for clearance and transportation.

Obunge stressed that the beneficiaries were not selected based on religion or RCCG membership, but included Nigerians from different ethnic and religious backgrounds.

“Our national anthem says, ‘Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.’ We believe in that anthem,” he said.

“Those being brought in are from different tribes, speak different tongues and practise different religions. They are not all members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. In fact, we don’t even know whether any of them is a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

“They are wonderful Nigerians and, by the grace of God, they are part of those to whom we have an assignment.”

The latest evacuation comes amid renewed anti-foreigner tensions in South Africa and a September 30 deadline issued by the March and March group for foreign nationals to leave the country. The deadline was not an official evacuation order by the South African government but heightened concerns among Nigerians and other foreign nationals.

The Federal Government has also undertaken several evacuation exercises following renewed reports of xenophobic attacks. By September 26, it said 1,821 Nigerians had been evacuated through 13 consular operations, with 1,388 of them fully funded by the government.

The RCCG programme has therefore added to government-led evacuation efforts, alongside assistance from private individuals and charitable organisations.

Obunge urged the returnees to regard their homecoming as a fresh start and use the skills and experience acquired abroad to rebuild their lives in Nigeria.

“What we are telling them is that they are not forgotten. They should realise that this is a new beginning. God has a plan for them. They should connect with God, and they shouldn’t lose hope,” he said.

He added that Nigeria needed their talents and skills, urging them to approach their return with confidence.

A representative of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Azeez Afuku, commended RCCG for supporting the Federal Government’s efforts.

Afuku said NEMA and other government agencies had been involved in receiving Nigerians returning from South Africa, adding that the church’s intervention would further assist the process.

He said the returnees were documented and profiled upon arrival to facilitate further government assistance and their reintegration into society.

According to him, NEMA would also coordinate transportation for the returnees to their respective state capitals to enable them reunite with their families.

Some of the returnees recounted difficult experiences in South Africa, including alleged harassment, police arrests and attacks on Nigerian-owned businesses.

One returnee, Pauline Ijeoma, who said she had lived in South Africa for several years, described the situation as increasingly difficult.

She said repeated encounters with police while operating her food business eventually forced her to return home.

“Every time you go out, the police must arrest you,” she said, alleging that even Nigerians with valid documents were subjected to repeated questioning and demands for money.

Ijeoma, who said her husband died in South Africa, expressed relief at returning home with her family.

“We are so grateful and so happy to be home, because there is no place like home,” she said.

Another returnee, Chukuma Agustin Ayoka, said attacks, destruction and looting of Nigerian-owned businesses had made life increasingly difficult.

He said many Nigerians could no longer move freely or operate their businesses, prompting them to seek assistance to return home.

“We have no other choice but to seek rescue, and Redeemed came to our rescue,” he said.

Representing the Abia State Government, Special Adviser to the Governor on Vulnerable Groups and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Choma Thomas, said the state was at the airport to receive Abia indigenes returning through the RCCG programme.

Thomas said Governor Alex Otti had approved ₦1 million for each returning family or individual to support their reintegration.

She said the state had already assisted 31 families with about ₦32 million and was preparing to extend the support to more returnees.

The RCCG Task Force said about 300 additional Nigerians were expected to return under the programme, subject to completion of profiling and clearance by the Nigerian High Commission and South African authorities.

Obunge urged the returnees to see their homecoming as the beginning of a new chapter.

“Nigeria needs your stamina, Nigeria needs your talent, Nigeria needs your contribution,” he said. “We urge you, look ahead with faith, look ahead with confidence. The best is yet to come.”