There was jubilation as 66 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrived at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday night to a reception from officials of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other stakeholders.

The returnees, who fled South Africa following the ongoing xenophobic attacks, were airlifted to Nigeria by Chief Kunle Soname after spending 13 days at the Nigerian High Commission. They arrived at the airport at 10:46 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

Speaking, one of the returnees, Genevieve Chibuzo, said: “No more fear. I am free and happy to be back home. I was in South Africa for four years and the experience was terrifying, but I thank God for the gift of life. I am happy to be back home alive and unharmed. My husband is still in South Africa, but he is planning to return to Nigeria.”

Another returnee, Fidelis Akuga, said: “I was into the clothing business in Johannesburg, but South Africans and the government shut it down. The Zulu and others harass Nigerians and other foreigners. I witnessed foreigners, including Nigerians, being murdered by South Africans. I jumped at the opportunity to come back, and I returned empty-handed.”

Another returnee, Oluwadare Adeniyi, said: “I feel good to be back home. It is very sad that we had to leave everything in South Africa. I ran from my house to the embassy.

“South Africans were after us every moment, even after we got asylum papers. I appreciate the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa for rescuing us.

“It is sad to leave everything behind. I have nothing, but I had to run for my life.”

Another returnee, who identified himself simply as Terry, said: “It was terrible in South Africa. They did not only attack or beat people; they killed innocent foreigners. I jumped at the opportunity to return home. Now that I am home, I will do business in Nigeria.”

Also speaking, Sabina Uche said: “I am happy to be back home. I have been in South Africa since 2017. I suffered a lot during the xenophobic attacks. They shut down my business and chased my children out of school. They kept harassing me, asking, ‘You are still here. When are you going home?’ I lived in fear.”

Moved by their plight, the Lead Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre (HICC), Bolaji Idowu, donated millions of naira to the returnees.

Represented by the pastor in charge of the Ikeja Campus, Kanmi Elegbede, Idowu addressed the 66 returnees before announcing a cash donation of N100,000 to each of them.

The money was transferred to those with valid Nigerian bank account details, while those without accounts submitted their details to receive the donation later.

The personal donation is intended to complement the church’s humanitarian efforts through the Harvesters Africa Empowerment Foundation (HAEF).

Explaining the reason for the gesture, the lead pastor said: “We are pained by the plight of people in northern Nigeria whose homes have been taken over by terrorists and whose children are out of school.

“We are still facing challenges in Oyo State, where terrorists, on May 15, 2026, attacked Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area, abducted 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers, and later beheaded a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

“We also understand the plight of Nigerians returning from South Africa. Many of them have lived there for years; some were born there and regard South Africa as their home. However, they have been forced to return to Nigeria because of safety concerns arising from the xenophobic attacks.

“I had promised to give 50 returnees from South Africa N100,000 each. I want to help them settle back.”

Urging Nigerians to support the returnees, he said: “Many of them are emotionally traumatised, and we must support them and help them rebuild their lives. We also expect the government to provide psychological, financial and other forms of assistance.”

Reacting to the financial support, Genevieve Chibuzo said: “I am grateful to Pastor Bolaji Idowu for the money. This will help us restart our lives.”

Head of Operations, NEMA Lagos Territorial Office, Mohammed Olatunde, said the agency provided transportation fares for all the returnees.

He added that NEMA remained committed to supporting efforts to ensure the safe return of other Nigerians stranded abroad.

Another beneficiary, Fidelis Akuga, said: “I left South Africa empty-handed, but I am grateful to ValueJet and the Nigerian government for facilitating our return. I am also grateful to Pastor Bolaji Idowu for the gift.”

Adeniyi also expressed gratitude to Pastor Bolaji Idowu and other supporters.

“I came back with nothing, so receiving this support will help me. The gesture from Pastor Bolaji Idowu and others means a lot,” he said.