‘I Lost Everything’: Nigerian Returnees Flee South Africa Over Xenophobia

By Emmanuel Kwada

Tears, relief and painful memories filled the arrival hall as Nigerian returnees evacuated from South Africa shared heartbreaking accounts of loss, fear and years of alleged xenophobic attacks that forced them to abandon their lives and businesses abroad.

Many of the returnees, who arrived in Nigeria following growing anti-foreigner tensions in parts of South Africa, described years of harassment, intimidation, destruction of property and persistent fears for their safety.

Speaking to journalists shortly after their arrival, several of the evacuees recounted traumatic experiences that they said left them with no option but to return home despite spending many years building their lives in South Africa.

Among them was Mwara Abuchukwu John, an indigene of Anambra State who had lived in Johannesburg for more than seven years.

Visibly emotional, he said returning to Nigeria alive was itself a victory.

“I am very happy to be back home because a lot has been happening there. Many people who started this process with us could not make it back. Some died, and some were killed,” he said.

According to him, the atmosphere in many communities had become increasingly hostile toward foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians.

“You cannot sleep with your two eyes closed. You cannot walk on the street without constantly looking behind you. There are threats everywhere,” he said.

John alleged that even migrants with valid immigration documents often faced intimidation and extortion.

“Even when you show them your documents, they still want money from you. There is a lot of fear and the authorities are not doing enough about it,” he claimed.

He further alleged that one migrant died after an encounter with security personnel during the evacuation process, while another individual was reportedly robbed near the Nigerian Embassy.

Although these claims could not be independently verified, they reflect the frustration and anxiety expressed by many of the returnees.

Years of Hard Work Destroyed

For another returnee, who said he had spent 14 years in South Africa, the decision to leave meant abandoning a life built through years of hard work and sacrifice.

The man, who operated an electronics and mobile phone accessories business, said he had survived multiple attacks over the years.

“The first attack happened about nine years ago. They destroyed my shop and burned my property. I started again from scratch, only for another attack to happen years later,” he recounted.

According to him, the second attack was even more devastating.

“They beat me up, burned everything again and I had to run for my life. I changed provinces and relocated, but the threats continued. They kept telling us Nigerians that we must go back home.”

He insisted he had never committed any crime in South Africa and had always conducted legitimate business.

“I repaired phones and sold accessories. I never had problems with the police. My records were clean. Yet we were constantly targeted,” he said.

Now back in Nigeria, he says his focus is rebuilding his life.

“I am relieved to be home. At least I am safe. I have to start all over again.”

‘I Lost Everything’

Perhaps the most emotional testimony came from another returnee who said he lost not only his livelihood but also members of his family.

His voice trembling with emotion, he described years of pain and personal tragedy.

“I lost money. I lost property. I lost my wife. I lost my son,” he said.

“Today is a painful day for me because it reminds me of everything I lost.”

The man, who said he spent 12 years in South Africa, struggled to contain his emotions as he reflected on the losses he suffered while trying to build a future abroad.

His story was one of several accounts highlighting the human cost behind migration and the vulnerabilities many foreign nationals face when tensions escalate in host communities.

‘We Were Never Safe’

Another returnee, Emanuela Kagosu, said she arrived in South Africa with dreams of economic opportunity but instead encountered fear and uncertainty.

“When I went there, I believed I would make money and improve my life. But it is not a safe place,” she said.

According to her, many South Africans accused Nigerians of taking jobs and opportunities from locals.

She described a phenomenon she referred to as “Amba,” a term she said was commonly used during anti-foreigner demonstrations.

“They go around shouting that foreigners should leave the country. Even when we were sleeping, we were afraid. We never felt safe,” she said.

Kagosu added that the atmosphere of hostility made it impossible to live normally.

“We are hardworking people, but many saw us as competitors. Eventually, we had to return home because there is no place like home.”

Professional Careers Interrupted

Not all the returnees were traders or small business owners.

One of them, identified simply as Samuel, said he had worked in customer service before moving to South Africa in search of broader career opportunities.

He explained that while xenophobic incidents were more pronounced in some areas than others, the overall climate had become increasingly worrying.

“When you live in an environment where your life and property are no longer safe, the best thing is to leave,” he said.

Samuel noted that foreigners often became easy targets because of language differences and physical identification.

“They know where foreigners live. Once they hear you cannot speak their language, they know immediately that you are not from there,” he explained.

According to him, threats against foreigners frequently circulated within communities.

“People would point out where foreigners lived. Some would come to your area, insult you and tell you to go back home. You cannot wait until something happens before taking action,” he said.

Renewed Concerns Over Xenophobia

The accounts come amid renewed concerns about xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment in parts of South Africa, where foreign nationals have periodically been targeted during outbreaks of violence over the past two decades.

Nigerians have often been among those affected, alongside migrants from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Ethiopia and other African countries.

Several previous attacks have resulted in deaths, injuries, looting and destruction of businesses owned by foreign nationals.

While South African authorities have repeatedly condemned xenophobic violence and pledged to protect all residents regardless of nationality, many migrants continue to express concerns about their safety.

Starting Again at Home

For the returnees, however, the immediate challenge is no longer survival in a foreign country but rebuilding their lives in Nigeria.

Many arrived with little more than their personal belongings after leaving behind businesses, homes and years of investment.

Despite the pain of their experiences, several said they were grateful to be back in their homeland.

Their stories serve as a stark reminder of the risks many migrants face abroad and the difficult choices they must make when security, dignity and survival become uncertain.

For those stepping off the plane, the future remains unclear. Yet amid the heartbreak and losses, one sentiment echoed repeatedly throughout the arrival hall: after years of fear and uncertainty, they were finally home.