By Abigail David

The Federal Government has expressed dissatisfaction with South Africa’s handling of the recent wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians, warning that diplomatic and economic measures, including a review of bilateral privileges, are under consideration.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this on Monday after briefing President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

She accused South African authorities of failing to respond decisively to attacks on Nigerian nationals, alleging that businesses owned by Nigerians had been looted and destroyed while their children faced intimidation in schools.

The minister also dismissed claims that the affected Nigerians were illegal migrants, insisting that many of them are legitimate residents and business owners.

According to her, Nigeria’s historical support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle makes the treatment of its citizens particularly disappointing.

“Nigeria is not happy with South Africa,” she said, recalling the country’s financial and political contributions to South Africa’s liberation movement.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that the Federal Government was considering possible retaliatory measures, including reviewing privileges enjoyed by South African businesses and nationals in Nigeria, although she stressed that such decisions would be taken at the highest level of government.

Her comments followed resolutions by the National Assembly, with the House of Representatives recommending a temporary suspension of business permits for South African companies operating in Nigeria, while the Senate proposed sending a high-level delegation led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio to South Africa.

The minister also confirmed that President Tinubu had approved five evacuation flights to repatriate Nigerians willing to return home amid the crisis.

According to her, 1,092 Nigerians have registered for voluntary evacuation, with more than 500 already screened and cleared for departure. The first evacuation flight, initially scheduled for Monday, was postponed to Wednesday due to logistical reasons.

She explained that the evacuation exercise, being coordinated with the National Emergency Management Agency and other government agencies, would be followed by rehabilitation support for returnees.

The latest tensions were sparked by anti-immigration protests organised by groups including Operation Dudula and March for March, which have heightened fears among foreign nationals across several South African provinces.

Nigeria had earlier summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele, for discussions over the attacks, while the South African government reportedly expressed reservations about Nigeria’s evacuation plans.

The current developments revive memories of previous xenophobic attacks in 2008, 2015 and 2019, which claimed lives, displaced thousands of foreign nationals and strained diplomatic relations between both countries.

By Abigail David

Fresh protests erupted in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Monday as residents demanded the release of more than 40 pupils and their teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area nearly a month ago.

The victims, including pupils and teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on May 15, 2026, and have remained in captivity.

The latest demonstration came as the abducted principal of Community High School, Rachael Alamu, appeared in a viral video from captivity, disputing reports that the kidnappers were demanding the introduction of Sharia law or a ransom for their release.

In the emotional appeal, Alamu urged Nigerians to disregard what she described as false claims and to help publicise the victims’ plight.

According to her, the abductors have neither forced the captives to practise any religion nor demanded money or the implementation of Sharia law.

She alleged that the kidnappers’ primary demand was the release of some of their detained associates and appealed to the government to engage in negotiations to secure the freedom of the hostages.

Alamu also pleaded with authorities and the public not to politicise the situation, saying misleading reports could further endanger the lives of those in captivity.

Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters blocked major roads in Ogbomoso on Monday, causing traffic disruptions as they called on the Federal and Oyo State governments to intensify efforts to rescue the victims.

One of the protesters, Kehinde Dahunsi, questioned why the authorities had been unable to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers after more than three weeks in captivity, while other recent kidnapping victims were rescued within days.

The abduction has sparked widespread outrage, with the Nigerian Union of Teachers directing its members across Oyo State to embark on a strike until the victims are rescued. Protests have also been held in several parts of the country to demand urgent government action.

The prolonged captivity of the schoolchildren and teachers has heightened concerns over insecurity and the safety of educational institutions across the state.

Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu, Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria-China Friendship Relationship Group, has lauded China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the remarkable progress recorded on the reconstruction and expansion of the Mararaba-Keffi Road, urging the Federal Government to ensure prompt funding for the project’s completion.

Yakubu, who personally visited the project site to inspect the level of work done, expressed satisfaction with the quality and speed of execution. He noted that the 43.65-kilometre dual carriageway, which links the Federal Capital Territory to Nasarawa State, has reached 99.8 percent completion. According to him, the road is not only a critical infrastructure for easing traffic congestion but also a symbol of the growing partnership between Nigeria and China.

Speaking during the visit, Yakubu said: “China Harbour has demonstrated excellence and reliability in this project. Their commitment reflects the strength of our bilateral relationship and the benefits of sustained collaboration between Nigeria and China. This road will serve millions of commuters daily, reduce travel time, and open up new economic opportunities for communities along the corridor.”

The lawmaker emphasized the importance of timely release of outstanding funds under the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme, stressing that delays could hinder the final touches required before commissioning. He pointed out that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had already directed relevant agencies to expedite payments, and urged strict compliance to ensure the contractor delivers on schedule.

Yakubu also commended the Federal Ministry of Works for adopting innovative engineering solutions, including the use of rigid concrete shoulders alongside flexible carriageways. He explained that such designs would enhance durability, reduce maintenance costs, and extend the lifespan of the highway.

In addition, he acknowledged the complementary role of Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, whose administration has embarked on the construction of flyovers to ease traffic flow around the Keffi axis. Yakubu described this synergy between federal and state governments, supported by international partners like CHEC, as a model for sustainable infrastructure development in Nigeria.

The project, awarded in June 2023 at a contract sum of ₦73.9 billion, is expected to be commissioned by President Tinubu in July. Remaining works include kerbs, U-drains, and installation of streetlights, which Yakubu said must be completed to ensure safety and functionality.

He concluded by reaffirming his committee’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria-China relations, noting that projects like the Mararaba-Keffi Road stand as enduring symbols of friendship, cooperation, and shared progress. “This road is more than concrete and asphalt; it is a testament to what Nigeria and China can achieve together when we combine vision, resources, and determination,” Yakubu added.