Xenophobia: “They treated us like slaves, they killed my husband” – An evacuated Nigerian woman recounts her ordeal in South Africa

…He says discrimination and violence against Nigerians has persisted for years

…Reveals the emotional escape during the FG evacuation flight

Daud Olatunji

One Nigerian returnee, Emilia Godwin, has recounted harrowing experiences of alleged xenophobic violence, discrimination and intimidation in South Africa, describing how Nigerians were “treated like slaves” and repeatedly subjected to physical attacks before she was eventually evacuated as part of a federal government-backed operation..

Godwin was among the first group of Nigerians airlifted home aboard an Air Peace evacuation flight coordinated by Nigeria’s federal government following renewed reports of anti-foreigner hostility in parts of South Africa.

Speaking shortly after arriving in Lagos on Thursday, she gave an emotional account of what she described as years of ongoing abuse, harassment and fear, saying her decision to leave the country had long been delayed by financial constraints and immigration bottlenecks.

“I still say this now that I’m in my country… they are evil. They don’t like us,” he said, claiming that Nigerians and other African migrants were regularly targeted in public spaces.

According to her, the attacks were not isolated episodes but recurring experiences, especially in transport and workplaces.

“If you get into a taxi, they tease you, pull you, beat you. We are like slaves there. We have no mouth to speak. If you talk too much, they start beating you and speaking their language,” he said.

Godwin, who said she has lived in South Africa since 2014, revealed that she had long thought about returning to Nigeria but was unable to do so until authorities organized the emergency evacuation.

She insisted she would never return to the country, even though her son was born there.

“I will never go to South Africa again. Even though my daughter was born there, she will never go to South Africa again,” she said.

The returnee further said that xenophobic tensions had strengthened in recent years, arguing that Nigerians were increasingly exposed to systemic discrimination and physical insecurity.

She also recounted a distressing experience at OR Tambo International Airport, saying immigration officials subjected her and her daughter to prolonged interrogations and delays despite having valid documentation.

“It was only by the grace of God that I was able to return with my daughter,” she said, adding that the intervention of a relative at the Nigerian mission in Johannesburg ultimately facilitated their departure.

Godwin also spoke of personal tragedy, claiming that her husband was killed during her time in South Africa, an incident she linked to the broader insecurity and hostility faced by Nigerian migrants.

His testimony comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks in parts of South Africa, which have previously triggered diplomatic tensions and evacuation drills involving African citizens.

The evacuated Nigerians are expected to undergo profiling and reintegration support when they return to the country in batches coordinated by relevant agencies.

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