First Batch of Nigerians Fleeing South Africa’s Xenophobic Attacks to Arrive Lagos Thursday

By: Michael Mike

The first batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks is expected to arrive in Lagos early Thursday as the Federal Government moves to bring home citizens affected by the violence.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday that the returnees will depart Johannesburg on Wednesday night aboard an Air Peace aircraft specially designated for the evacuation exercise.

According to the ministry, the flight is scheduled to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at about 5:00 a.m., marking the beginning of what could become a broader repatriation effort should more Nigerians seek to return home.

The government said it has fully funded the evacuation, ensuring that all affected Nigerians are transported back to the country free of charge.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said necessary arrangements have been concluded to receive the evacuees and provide immediate support upon arrival.

He explained that officials from relevant government agencies will undertake documentation and profiling procedures before the returnees are reunited with their families and provided with appropriate assistance.

The arrival of the first batch comes amid growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa following reports of fresh xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.

Although South Africa remains home to thousands of Nigerians engaged in business, professional careers and other economic activities, periodic outbreaks of anti-foreigner violence have continued to threaten the security and livelihoods of migrant communities.

Over the years, attacks blamed on xenophobic sentiments have led to deaths, injuries and destruction of businesses owned by foreign nationals, including Nigerians. Similar incidents in 2019 triggered a large-scale evacuation programme by the Nigerian government after widespread violence erupted in parts of South Africa.

The latest evacuation underscores Abuja’s determination to protect its citizens abroad while responding swiftly to emerging threats to their safety.

Officials said agencies responsible for migration, emergency management and social welfare have been mobilised to ensure a seamless reception process for the returnees when they touch down in Lagos on Thursday morning.

The government has also assured Nigerians in South Africa that it remains in close contact with relevant authorities and will continue to monitor developments as efforts intensify to guarantee the safety and welfare of citizens affected by the unrest.

For many of the evacuees expected on the inaugural flight, Thursday’s arrival will bring an end to days of uncertainty and anxiety, while reopening questions about the recurring cycle of xenophobic violence that has periodically strained relations between Africa’s two largest economies.

First Batch of Nigerians Fleeing South Africa’s Xenophobic Attacks to Arrive Lagos Thursday

Cholera Outbreak Overwhelms Health Facilities in Borno as Nearly 8,000 Fall Ill

By: Michael Mike

A rapidly escalating cholera outbreak in northeastern Nigeria has placed immense pressure on healthcare facilities in Borno State, with nearly 8,000 suspected cases recorded within five weeks and dozens of deaths reported.

Health authorities say the outbreak, which began in early May, has spread across multiple communities, affecting 14 local government areas and 50 wards. Official figures indicate that 7,850 suspected cases and 74 deaths had been recorded as of June 7, raising concerns over the state’s ability to contain the disease.

The surge has forced humanitarian responders and health officials to expand emergency treatment facilities as hundreds of new patients continue to arrive daily with symptoms of acute watery diarrhoea and severe dehydration.

Working alongside the Borno State Ministry of Health, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) established a Cholera Treatment Centre in the Ngarannam area of Maiduguri shortly after the outbreak emerged. The facility has since undergone multiple expansions, increasing its capacity from 121 beds to 271 beds in response to the growing influx of patients. A separate 20-bed treatment unit has also been opened in the Dalaram area of the state capital.

According to MSF, more than 7,400 patients had received treatment at its facilities by June 7, with an average of about 230 admissions recorded daily. The organisation reported that June 5 marked the peak of the outbreak so far, with more than 500 patients admitted in a single day.

Medical workers on the frontline say many patients arrive in critical condition after travelling long distances to seek treatment.

“The continued increase in cases shows that more needs to be done to prevent transmission and ensure people can access care as early as possible,” said Bienfait Tombola, MSF’s medical coordinator for the emergency response in Maiduguri.

Beyond direct patient care, response teams are training healthcare workers, setting up oral rehydration points, strengthening disease surveillance, and conducting public health awareness campaigns. Efforts are also underway to improve access to safe water through chlorination programmes and sanitation interventions aimed at reducing the spread of the disease.

Public health experts warn that cholera and other waterborne illnesses thrive in communities where access to clean water, sanitation facilities and healthcare services remains limited. Informal settlements and densely populated areas are considered particularly vulnerable.

Health officials are planning a cholera vaccination campaign as part of broader efforts to curb transmission and prevent further spread of the disease.

MSF and state authorities have stressed that while emergency treatment is saving lives, long-term investments in water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure will be crucial to preventing recurring outbreaks.

The latest surge adds to the humanitarian challenges facing Borno State, where years of conflict and displacement have strained public services and left many communities vulnerable to disease outbreaks.

Cholera Outbreak Overwhelms Health Facilities in Borno as Nearly 8,000 Fall Ill

Zulum – I Will Hand Over a More Secure and Prosperous Borno to Gubio

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has assured that he will hand over a more stable, secure, and economically prosperous Borno to the next administration.

Governor Zulum gave the assurance on Monday when he received prominent sons and daughters of Gubio Local Government Area, led by elder statesman Alhaji Gambo Gubio, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Maiduguri, alongside the APC gubernatorial candidate, Engr. Mustapha Gubio.

The delegation also included the Chairman of the Borno State Civil Service Commission, Dr. Bulama Mali Gubio; a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Fanta Baba Shehu; the Executive Chairman of Gubio, Hon. Mali Bulama Mali; a retired Commissioner of Police; and former Council chairmen.

The Governor noted that despite the challenges confronting the state, particularly insecurity, his administration remains committed to consolidating on the gains achieved over the years and laying a stronger foundation for sustainable development.

“Security is the most difficult issue. Insha Allah, before I leave, the situation will be better than now. I will hand over a more stable, more prosperous, and more secure government to Engr. Mustapha Gubio, Insha Allah,” Zulum declared.

He emphasised that sustaining achievements is often more difficult than attaining them, urging continued support and prayers for the APC governorship candidate.

“What matters is not just success; managing success is more difficult than achieving success itself. Managing success and managing the affairs of Borno State is not easy, but with collective support, prayers, and guidance, God will give him the wisdom and energy to succeed as a candidate and, Insha Allah, as Governor,” he said.

Extolling the leadership qualities of Engr. Mustapha Gubio, Governor Zulum described him as a man of integrity, humility, and composure whom he has known for more than two decades.

“Alhaji Mustapha Gubio, I have known him for the past 26 years, since he was a student at the University of Maiduguri. His integrity is evident; he is humane, very gentle, and composed. Insha Allah, God will help him to steer the mantle of leadership of Borno State,” Zulum stated.

The Governor added, “We will continue to pray for our gubernatorial candidate so that the Almighty will give him the wisdom and the wherewithal to steer the leadership of the state.”

Reflecting on the challenges he encountered at the beginning of his administration in 2019, Zulum recalled the sacrifices required to confront the state’s security and humanitarian crises.

“When I took over the leadership of the state, in the first 55 days of my administration, I saw my children only three times. The first four years were really challenging, but Almighty Allah has helped us to see light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

The Governor expressed appreciation to the delegation for the visit. “As Muslims, when we seek Allah’s guidance and pray for the best outcome, we must accept His decision with complete faith and conviction, knowing that whatever He chooses is ultimately the best for us,” Zulum remarked.

Leader of the delegation, Alhaji Gambo Gubio, commended Governor Zulum for his pivotal role in the emergence of Engr. Mustapha Gubio as the APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

“We are here today to express our profound gratitude and thanks for this remarkable occasion. Words alone cannot adequately convey the depth of our feelings or fully capture all that we wish to say. However, we remain sincerely grateful and deeply appreciative,” Alhaji Gambo said.

He described the APC candidate as a worthy son of Gubio and expressed confidence in his future leadership.

Alhaji Gambo also acknowledged Governor Zulum’s achievements in security, infrastructure development, and governance, noting that “Zulum is succeeding,”.

The courtesy visit was attended by the APC State Chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba; the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Bukar Tijani; the Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Malumbe; commissioners, special advisers, and other government officials.

Zulum – I Will Hand Over a More Secure and Prosperous Borno to Gubio