Returning Nigerians have recounted what they described as years of hardship, discrimination, and neglect in South Africa, worsened by a recent uptick in xenophobic violence.
Heaves of relief, sighs of gratitude, and bursts of laughter broke out among the returnees as they touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday morning.
Abu, a tutor in Pretoria, said she was forced to shut down her spa studio due to a lack of proper documentation after authorities began cracking down on undocumented migrants.
According to her, she largely stayed at home as a parent, adding that her children frequently returned from school with stories of discrimination.
According to her, she largely stayed at home as a parent, adding that her children frequently returned from school with stories of discrimination.
“They treat them differently, they talk badly about Nigerian nationals, just to make other kids feel superior or to feel bigger than other kids.
“The teacher was criticizing, or the teacher would make a comment that, ‘oh, be careful of Nigerians, they’re kidnappers, or there are certain things, very bad words.”
Abu said discrimination against other Africans was widespread, including in hospitals.
