Concerns have been raised over the treatment of Nigerian nationals awaiting evacuation at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, after reports and videos circulating online showed dozens of people, including children, gathered outside the mission in cold weather.
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A man who shared the footage on social media alleged that the evacuees were asked to leave the embassy premises and were left waiting outdoors despite the harsh weather conditions.
“Just look at the way Nigerians are being treated, even children. These are Nigerians waiting for evacuation at the Nigerian Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, yet they were chased outside and left to endure the cold weather. The Nigerian government needs to do something. This is truly heartbreaking,” he said.
The video has generated widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the welfare of those awaiting evacuation and calling on the Federal Government to intervene.
The circumstances surrounding the reported evacuation exercise, including the reasons the individuals were outside the embassy premises, have not been independently verified.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Federal Government had not issued an official statement responding to the allegations.
The incident has renewed calls for improved support and welfare for Nigerian citizens facing emergencies abroad, particularly during evacuation exercises.