The Delta State Government has announced a comprehensive support package for 86 indigenes repatriated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, with each affected family set to receive ₦2 million and monthly stipends until the end of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s first tenure in office.
The package was unveiled on Friday at the Unity Hall of the Government House in Asaba by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Johnson Erijo, who represented the governor during the reception held for the returnees.
According to the state government, the intervention is intended to help the victims rebuild their lives after suffering losses resulting from the attacks.
In addition to the financial support, the government announced that all returnees would receive free medical examinations at state-owned healthcare facilities, while trauma counselling services would be provided through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Services.
The government also disclosed that individual beneficiaries would receive monthly stipends of ₦200,000, while families would be paid ₦300,000 every month beginning in August 2026.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Oborevwori, Erijo expressed sympathy for the victims and welcomed them back home.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I welcome our brothers and sisters back home.
“We watched with dismay the xenophobic attacks targeted at fellow Africans in South Africa. No human being deserves to be beaten, displaced or forced to live in fear because of his nationality,” he said.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for facilitating the safe return of the affected Nigerians.
“My heart is heavy with pain for the indignity you endured, yet full of gratitude to God and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose swift intervention ensured your safe repatriation,” he added.
The governor, through his representative, assured the victims that the state government would stand by them as they worked to rebuild their lives.
He further appealed to communities and families to embrace the returnees and support their reintegration into society.
“This painful experience must not kill your entrepreneurial spirit. You left with courage to seek a better life. Let that same resilience help you build a better future here at home,” he said.
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The Commissioner in charge of the Bureau for Special Duties, Etacherure Terry, disclosed that the governor approved funds from the state’s contingency allocation after the State Emergency Management Agency exhausted its budgetary provision for the year.
According to him, Governor Oborevwori directed that all affected Deltans be identified, documented and assisted.
“We receive you with open arms. You are home now, you are safe, and you are not alone,” Terry said.
Some of the returnees also expressed appreciation to both the federal and state governments for their intervention.
One of the beneficiaries, Jacob Agbada from Isoko North Local Government Area, described the attacks as traumatic and urged Nigerians considering relocation to South Africa to exercise caution.
“It wasn’t easy. They destroyed people’s shops, cars and businesses. Being a foreigner there is not a good thing.
My advice is don’t go to South Africa. We are back home now, and we will help develop our country,” he said.
Another returnee, Saturday Akanuche, said the support package had renewed his determination to start over.
“I never expected this. I am overwhelmed and grateful. With this money, I can start life again and open a small business. I had almost lost hope after everything I lost in South Africa, but now I dare to move on,” he said.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns over renewed xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa, particularly Nigerians, with calls intensifying for stronger measures to protect citizens living abroad.