The first batch of 320 Nigerians is billed to be airlifted from South Africa on Wednesday, September 11 because of the xenophobic attacks in that country.
Nigeria’s consul general in Johannesburg, Mr. Godwin Adama, who revealed this in an interview said the first batch of returnees will leave South Africa by 9:00am.
“The first flight leaves by 0900 hours this Wednesday with about 320 passengers; and the second batch will leave on Thursday, all things being equal.
“We have over 600 who had indicated interest. All things being equal, without any hitches, the plane will take off by 0900am hours this Wednesday.
“The manifest for the first flight is ready, and we are working on the next flight,” he said.
Meanwhile, Air Peace said the flight is free and advised the returnees not to pay money to anyone.
The clarification became necessary following attempt by some fraudulent persons in South Africa who allegedly collected $1000 from the intending evacuees.
A mail sent by a Nigerian resident in South Africa, Fred Okeke, making enquiry about the payment reads: “We heard that you are donating the flight for free evacuation from South Africa to Nigeria, but it is very unfortunate to hear that they are asking the affected victims to pay the sum of $1000 as registration to be eligible to benefit from the fight. So I want to bring it to your notice.”
The chairman and chief executive officer of the airline, Mr. Allen Onyema warned the affected Nigerians not to fall prey to scammers who want to capitalise on the situation and swindle the returnees.
“A Nigerian living in South Africa sent mail to the airline requesting to confirm whether the flight is free because some people were already collecting money for the flight.
“We are offering free trip to Nigerians in South Africa to return home after going through the traumatic experience of the attacks. Air Peace has said this is free and we are doing it in solidarity with the federal government.
“We have not designated or recruited any agent in South Africa to collect money on behalf of Air Peace. So nobody should pay money to anyone or group of persons posing as Air Peace agent or staff. Any Nigerian who has paid money for repatriation back to Nigeria with Air Peace should request for a refund and report to appropriate authorities,” said Onyema.
Meanwhile, the chairman of Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said no fewer than 640 Nigerians were willing to be evacuated from South Africa.
“At least 640 Nigerians have registered to come back home from South Africa and Air Peace will transport them home in two operations.
“Two planes will convey them. When we receive the first two batches, we will know how many more will come. With the envoy’s briefing to the president, we will be having everything in place,” she said.
On their return, she said the evacuees will be encouraged to enroll in entrepreneurial programmes while the federal government would continue to demand compensation from the South African government.
“They went on their own and have volunteered to come back. They belong to states as well but on the part of the federal government, we have the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) that we encourage them to enroll in, small scale entrepreneurial programme with the Bank of Industry (BoI), Special Intervention Programme (SIP) also.
“In the meantime, we continue to demand compensation for Nigerians that have been attacked in South Africa,” she added.
