Hundreds of Nigerians stranded in South Africa have issued an urgent appeal to the Federal Government, warning that prolonged delays in their evacuation are pushing many into severe hardship, with several now battling hunger and homelessness.
The distress call was made by the President of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, who urged authorities in Abuja to speed up arrangements for the return of affected citizens.
According to Onyekwelu, many Nigerians had travelled from different parts of South Africa after being informed that plans for their evacuation had been finalized. However, unexpected delays have left numerous individuals stranded without adequate food, shelter and financial resources.
“Several have exhausted their limited resources after travelling long distances in good faith, believing arrangements had been adequately concluded for their departure. They are hungry and homeless,” Onyekwelu lamented.
The association expressed deep concern over the postponement of the Federal Government’s second evacuation exercise, describing the delay as a major setback for vulnerable Nigerians already facing difficult living conditions.
Among those affected are women, children and elderly citizens who had spent their savings on transportation, temporary accommodation and other basic needs while waiting for confirmation of their journey back home.
What was initially expected to be a short waiting period has now turned into an uncertain and painful ordeal for many families. With resources rapidly diminishing, several stranded Nigerians are reportedly finding it increasingly difficult to afford food, accommodation and other essential necessities.
NICASA warned that the humanitarian situation could deteriorate further if urgent action is not taken. The association appealed to the Federal Government and relevant agencies to intervene swiftly to prevent more Nigerians from falling into extreme hardship.
The group emphasized that many of those awaiting evacuation are vulnerable citizens who require immediate support and assistance as efforts continue to secure their safe return to Nigeria.
The latest development has renewed concerns over the welfare of Nigerians abroad during emergency situations, with stakeholders calling for faster and more coordinated evacuation processes to ensure that citizens are not abandoned in times of distress.
