*Returnees Arrive Lagos As Nigerian Father Of Two Shot Dead In Pretoria
THE Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has commenced the repatriation of at least 500 Nigerians from South Africa, following an appeal for assistance from the Nigerian diplomatic mission in the country, with the first batch of 100 returnees arriving at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on Thursday night, September 24.
The returnees, who were received by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons and other relevant government agencies, subsequently underwent profiling, as part of the process for their onward movement to their respective states.
The RCCG is funding the air transportation of the Nigerians as part of a humanitarian intervention approved by its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye.
Speaking ahead of the arrival of the first batch, Belemina Obunge, Chairman of the RCCG Task Force for the Reception of Nigerian Returnees from South Africa, said the church decided to intervene following an appeal from the Nigerian Consulate in South Africa.
Obunge explained that the returnees were profiled and documented by the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, in collaboration with the South African Home Affairs authorities, and that the exercise was not restricted to RCCG members, as beneficiaries included Nigerians from different religious backgrounds.
He disclosed that the decision was driven by the need to assist Nigerians facing circumstances that required them to return home, adding that the church deliberately ensured that the repatriation was open to Nigerians, irrespective of their faith.
The cleric said the list of beneficiaries was provided through the diplomatic process and the RCCG had no role in selecting people based on religious affiliation, stressing that its role is primarily to finance the air transportation of the returnees from Johannesburg to Lagos, while government agencies handle their reception, profiling and onward transportation.
The task force, he stated, would also offer prayers and support to the returnees before being formally handed over to the relevant government authorities.
Obunge disclosed that the initial plan was to bring back a minimum of 500 Nigerians, acknowledging that the final number could be slightly higher, with the inclusion of children and infants among those scheduled to return.
He said the intervention would continue in batches.
Officials of NEMA said the returnees would be transported to their respective state capitals after the completion of the necessary profiling and processing at the airport.
Welcoming the returnees in a post on his X handle, Adeboye wrote: “We are grateful to God for helping us make your safe return possible.
“We shall continue to pray for you as the government continues with what remains to ensure you reunite with your families.
“God bless you all.”
RCCG had earlier donated $265,854 towards the evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa, with the Federal Government saying the funds would cover 500 one-way air tickets.
The repatriation is being carried out through the collaboration of the RCCG, Nigerian diplomatic authorities in South Africa and relevant government agencies in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, a 40-year-old Nigerian man, identified as Olatunde Olaleye, has been shot dead by a South African national, following an argument at a bar where he was working in Pretoria.
President General of the Nigerian Union in South Africa (NUSA), Smart Nwobi, in a statement, called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Olaleye’s death, saying the alleged shooter reportedly returned to the premises after the incident and threatened the management, warning that members of his group would come back.
Nwobi described Olaleye as a husband and father whose sudden death had left his family devastated, noting: “We cannot continue to lose Nigerians under circumstances that leave families devastated and communities traumatised.
“We call for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Olaleye’s death and for the law to take its proper course.”
Nwobi urged Nigeria’s diplomatic Mission in South Africa, including the Consulate General and the High Commission in Pretoria, to intensify discussions with South African authorities over the case.
He called on the Nigerian Mission to use available diplomatic channels to pursue justice and strengthen efforts to protect Nigerians living and working in South Africa.
NUSA expressed sympathy to Olaleye’s wife, his two children and members of the Nigerian community affected by the tragedy, reiterating its call for justice and accountability.
