Stranded Nigerians in South Africa Cry Out Over Hunger, Homelessness Amid Evacuation Delay

Nigerians stranded in South Africa while awaiting evacuation flights have appealed to the Federal Government for urgent assistance, warning that many are now facing severe hardship, including hunger and homelessness.

The distress call was made on Friday by the President of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, who urged authorities in Abuja to accelerate efforts to bring the affected citizens home.

According to Onyekwelu, many Nigerians travelled long distances and made personal sacrifices after being led to believe that arrangements for their evacuation had been finalised. However, delays in the process have left several of them stranded and struggling to survive.

“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,” he said.

The association expressed concern over the postponement of the second evacuation exercise planned by the Nigerian government, describing the delay as a major setback for those already living in precarious conditions.

Among those affected are women, children and elderly persons, many of whom have reportedly spent their savings on transportation, temporary accommodation and other expenses while waiting for confirmation of their return to Nigeria.

For some families, what was expected to be a brief wait has turned into an uncertain ordeal, with dwindling resources making it increasingly difficult to afford food, shelter and other basic necessities.

NICASA appealed to the Federal Government to act swiftly, warning that the humanitarian situation could worsen if the evacuation process continues to face delays.

The association stressed that many of the stranded Nigerians are vulnerable and in urgent need of support as they await a safe journey back home.