Adams Oshiomhole, former Edo State Governor/senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, has urged the Federal Government to take immediate diplomatic and protective measures amid the renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

Speaking during plenary, the lawmaker emphasised that Nigeria must respond firmly to protect its citizens, citing the principle of reciprocity in international relations.

He said, “I don’t want this Senate to be shedding tears, to sympathise with those who have died. We didn’t come here to shed tears.

“If you hit me, I’ll hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It’s an economic struggle.”

Oshiomhole linked the current tensions to broader political dynamics in South Africa, noting that anti-immigrant sentiments had featured in the country’s domestic politics and were influencing attitudes toward foreign nationals, including Nigerians and maintained that such steps would strengthen Nigeria’s bargaining position.

The lawmaker further argued that Nigerians living in South Africa were economically productive and not dependent on the host country.

“These Nigerians who are in South Africa, they are not there on holiday. They are there to work and to earn.

“When we hit back, the president of South Africa will go on his knees to recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated,” he said.

•Photo: Xenophobia : South African protesters in Pretoria on Friday. Twitter photo.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigerians interested in repatriation from South Africa will be responsible for the cost of their return trip to Nigeria.

In the recent past, such reparations have been sponsored by Nigerian airline owners, particularly Allen Onyema, the CEO of Air Peace.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stated this during a press briefing on Monday in Abuja.

The briefing came shortly after a closed-door meeting between the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dunoma Ahmed, and the South African Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele.

Mr Ebienfa said that the process will be self-funded and not state-funded, as it is a voluntary decision that the Nigerian government will only facilitate and coordinate.

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has issued a public memo to Bola Tinubu, urging him to halt his ongoing foreign trips and address the escalating attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

In the statement dated 4 May 2026, Ezekwesili described the President’s trip to France, Kenya, and Rwanda as a “total absence of leadership” at a time when Nigerians abroad are reportedly facing violence, killings, and displacement.

She condemned what she called the Federal Government’s routine diplomatic response to the crisis, arguing that repeated statements, advisories, and limited evacuations fall far short of what is required.

“The recurring killing, harassment, looting and intimidation of Nigerians in South Africa is no longer a matter for routine diplomacy,” she said, warning that the situation reflects a deeper failure by the Nigerian state to protect its citizens.

Source: Leadership