A Nigerian woman, Emilia Godwin, who was among returnees evacuated from South Africa, has vowed never to return to the country, alleging that Nigerians face violence and discrimination there.
She made the remarks shortly after arriving at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos alongside other evacuees facilitated by the Federal Government.
Speaking to journalists, Emilia expressed anger over her experience in South Africa, claiming that Nigerians were mistreated and subjected to violence.
According to her, “They are wicked. They do not like us. If you enter a place, they make jest of you, they beat you. We are just like slaves there. We can’t speak.”
She also alleged that she had been trying to leave South Africa since 2014 but lacked the opportunity until the recent evacuation exercise.
Emilia further made serious personal claims, saying she lost her husband under circumstances she attributed to hostility against Nigerians, although she did not provide detailed evidence of the allegation.
When asked if she would consider returning to South Africa, she firmly ruled it out, saying she would never set foot in the country again, even though her daughter was born there.
The Federal Government recently repatriated 258 Nigerians from South Africa as part of ongoing evacuation efforts, with more flights expected in the coming days.
Authorities have continued to call for calm and caution, urging returnees and the public to allow proper investigation and avoid statements that could inflame tensions between both countries.