By Collins Sarkodieh 
A growing number of Nigerian citizens are choosing to return home following a series of alarming experiences with xenophobia in South Africa.
These returnees describe a landscape defined by discrimination, systemic extortion, and direct threats of violence against African migrants.
One returnee, Chukwuemeka Chris Okeke, expressed deep gratitude to the Nigerian government for facilitating his safe return. He emphasized that the hostile environment in South Africa has become completely unbearable for many African residents seeking a better life.
Another returnee, Emmanuel Nwachukwu, shared terrifying accounts of groups threatening to shoot those who refuse to leave the country. He alleged that security agencies frequently target Nigerians for harassment and financial extortion as a daily occurrence.
The issue of legal documentation remains a major point of contention for those living abroad. Migrants argue that bureaucratic obstacles make it nearly impossible to regularize their status, creating a cycle where individuals remain vulnerable to arrest.
The accounts provided by these men, who spent eight to ten years living in South Africa, paint a grim picture of life for foreigners. They describe a system that allegedly recycles migrants as forced labor or targets them for constant financial exploitation.
Nwachukwu urges fellow Nigerians to prioritize their safety over social pride or the fear of returning empty-handed. He stresses that no amount of economic struggle at home justifies remaining in a place where one’s life is constantly under threat.
Despite the trauma of their experiences, these returnees remain optimistic about the future of Nigeria. They are now calling for national unity and a collective effort to build a country that provides opportunities for everyone to succeed.
Their stories serve as a somber reminder of the work that remains to be done to ensure the safety and dignity of all Africans across the continent. Building a great nation starts with protecting our own and creating an environment where we can all flourish.
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Source: More on Africa News