Oyo govt receives 70 indigenes evacuated from South Africa over xenophobic attacks

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Government has received 70 indigenes evacuated from South Africa following xenophobic attacks targeting foreigners in the country.

The returnees, comprising 42 adults and 28 minors, were formally received in Ibadan by the Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Migration and Homeland Security, Assistant Controller General of Immigration (rtd.) Segun Adegoke, who represented the state government.

Adegoke assured the returnees that their return should not be seen as a failure or the end of their journey, saying the government was committed to supporting their reintegration and helping them rebuild their lives.

He acknowledged the challenges associated with their return, including loss of livelihoods, emotional distress and disruption to businesses and future plans. He added that officials would assess their individual circumstances, health needs, skills and experiences to determine areas where assistance could be provided.

Adegoke also urged the returnees to turn their experiences abroad into opportunities, noting that some may have acquired skills, knowledge, networks and entrepreneurial experience that could contribute to Oyo State’s development.

Meanwhile, the state government warned young people against irregular migration, stressing that while migration could provide opportunities, unsafe and illegal routes could expose migrants to serious risks. Adegoke said the Office of Migration and Homeland Security would continue to promote safe, orderly and regular migration.

The returnees underwent basic medical screening, including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, to assess their immediate health needs. Some of them described their return as painful because of the circumstances that forced them to leave South Africa.

Also present at the venue were representatives of the Ministries of Health; Women Affairs and Social Inclusion; Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters; and the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency.