MagRush writer  | September 10, 2019

A private Nigerian airline has offered to airlift and repatriate Nigerians in the clutches of riots in South Africa (SA).

Upon hearing the news of riots targeted at suspected drug dealers of Nigerian descent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Allen Onyema, volunteered a wing to pick and lift his fellow countrymen (and women) out of the volatile SA, Gauteng Province, mainly Pretoria and Johannesburg.

The first batch of 600 is expected to be repatriated on Wednesday, September 11, according to a “Nigerian diplomat,” reported The Citizen.

The government of Nigeria has also indicated its readiness to help evacuate stranded citizens to return home from SA in the wake of devastating unrests. The travel-back-home initiative will be extended to those who are willing to fly. The news comes after Nigeria President Mohammed Buhari received a report from the country’s Envoy he sent to South Africa in relation to the riots directed at foreign nationals involved in illegal drug-dealing.

Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) tweeted at 5:18 PM on Mon, Sep 09, 2019:

Let me also say that we have made arrangements for the immediate voluntary evacuation of all Nigerians in South Africa who are willing to return home. I have directed the relevant agencies to ensure this is done speedily and efficiently.

Meanwhile Ekurhuleni Mayor Mzwandile Masina told Power FM 98.7 that the municipality will assist displaced foreign nationals with repatriation arrangements.

Further, Buhari promised to visit South Africa next month to meet President Cyril Ramaphosa to secure the safety of Nigerians and their properties and/or business interests.

Violent unrests have seized SA by storm and drew condemnation across the globe in the past two weeks. At least 12 [ten South Africans] people have been confirmed dead, scores injured, several businesses looted, trashed and property burnt across the country. Over 600 suspects, according to the SA Police Service, have been apprehended.