The Nigerian Consulate in South Africa, in collaboration with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), has offered a free repatriation flight for Nigerians wishing to return home permanently due to the worsening xenophobic attacks in May 2026.

This follows reports of at least two Nigerian fatalities and widespread property damage in cities like East London, Cape Town, and Durban

Amid rising unrest in South Africa, the Nigerian Consulate in the country, in collaboration with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, has offered a free repatriation flight to Nigerians willing to return home permanently.

The President of NICASA, Frank Onyekwelu, who spoke to Saturday PUNCH, acknowledged that the situation had forced many Nigerians to shut their shops and businesses.

According to him, there is currently no structured support system in place for affected Nigerians, but the consulate’s intervention is already providing an option for those who wish to leave.

Onyekwelu said many Nigerians were already indicating interest in returning home.

He said, “The Nigerian Consulate in conjunction with NICASA has offered a free repatriation flight to any Nigerian who wishes to leave South Africa permanently, and the process is ongoing as we have recorded many Nigerians signalling interest to return home.”

Meanwhile, Nigerians in South Africa have narrated their harrowing experiences.

They lamented that the recurring violence had continued to threaten their safety, livelihoods, and mental well-being.

Those who spoke to our correspondents said they had been forced to stay indoors, and were now living in constant fear amid targeted attacks on foreign nationals.

Violent anti-foreigner protests erupted in cities such as Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, East London, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, resulting in harassment, looting, property damage, and injuries.

This has triggered fear and panic within the diaspora community, with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission directing Nigerian business owners to temporarily shut down to minimise risks and avoid losses.

The protests, according to reports, are being driven by community groups, anti-immigration organisations, and social movements such as Operation Dudula, the March and March Movement, and similar local initiatives, often under the banner of tackling illegal immigration and unemployment.

The demonstrations are organised by groups accusing migrants of causing economic hardship and crime, with activists demanding the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals, particularly those from African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Somalia.

Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji and his wife, actress Adebimpe Oyebade, popularly known as Mo Bimpe have announced the arrival of their triplet sons.

Adedimeji made the announcement via his official Instagram page, sharing an emotional message in which he described the children as his world, responsibility, and legacy.

“I’ve been quiet… not absent. I was building, protecting, and embracing the greatest blessing of my life. God gave me more than I prayed for — a woman who became a mother of three, and three kings to call my own,” he wrote.

The actor, who closed the post with the Islamic expression of gratitude, “Alhamdulilah,” did not disclose the date of birth or the names of the children.

The announcement drew an outpouring of congratulations from fans and colleagues.

Fellow Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe wrote, “To God be the glory. Congratulations.”

OloyedeJuliana also wrote, “God is Good!!! God is Good!!!God is Good!!! Watching this again, I’m in tears, congratulations my fam, so happy for you two. Can’t believe
I’m an Auntie”

Also reacting, Omowumi Dada wrote, “Such GOODNEWS for the month of May. THANK YOU JESUSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Congratulations fam”

Adedimeji and Mo Bimpe, both prominent figures in the Yoruba film industry, had their wedding ceremony in 2021.

A devastating fire has destroyed an aluminum company and a residential building in two separate incidents in Oyo State this week.

The aluminum company, located at Km 110, Iyaganku area of Ibadan was razed on Thursday while the fire incident at the residential building in Ogbomoso occurred on Wednesday.

Chairman, Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande confirmed both incidents, saying his men have brought the situation under control.

“Upon arrival, a building used as an office with adjoining warehouse was engulfed by fire. The fire was caused by electrical sparks from an appliance plugged and unattended to and it ignited nearby combustibles, and set the building ablaze.

On the building in Ogbomoso, he said, “Upon arrival, it was discovered that the first room by the right of an ancient residential building was engulfed by fire”.