Otoikhila South Africa Ordeal: Returnee Recalls Begging for His Life at Gunpoint
A Nigerian returnee from South Africa, identified as Otoikhila, has shared his traumatic experience during the recent wave of anti-immigrant violence in the country, revealing that he broke down in tears and pleaded for his life after an armed South African pointed a gun at him.
Otoikhila’s account comes as hundreds of Nigerians continue returning home following attacks, intimidation and growing hostility directed at foreign nationals in parts of South Africa. His emotional testimony highlights the fear and uncertainty many migrants endured before being evacuated by the Nigerian government.
Speaking after his arrival in Nigeria, Otoikhila recalled the terrifying encounter that he said nearly claimed his life. According to him, the situation escalated rapidly when an armed man confronted him during the unrest.
“I wept and begged for my life because I thought that was the end,” he said, explaining that the gunman aimed a firearm directly at him while issuing threats. Otoikhila added that he desperately pleaded to be spared, believing that any wrong move could have resulted in his death.
The returnee said he had lived and worked in South Africa for several years before the recent violence forced him to abandon everything he had built. Like many other Nigerians caught up in the crisis, he said he lost valuable property, business investments and personal belongings while trying to escape to safety.
He explained that the atmosphere became increasingly hostile as attacks against foreign nationals intensified in several communities. According to him, many migrants were forced to remain indoors for fear of being assaulted, while others fled their homes with only a few personal belongings.
Otoikhila described the psychological impact of the experience as overwhelming, saying the constant fear of violence made daily life almost impossible. He noted that hearing threats from armed individuals and witnessing attacks on other migrants left lasting emotional scars.
His testimony mirrors the experiences of several other Nigerians who recently returned from South Africa under the Federal Government’s evacuation programme. Many returnees have narrated stories of intimidation, discrimination and financial ruin after being compelled to leave behind businesses, homes and years of hard work.
The Federal Government has continued to evacuate Nigerians who expressed interest in returning home following the worsening situation. Officials said hundreds of citizens have already been repatriated, while additional evacuation flights are expected to bring back those still stranded. Returnees are also expected to receive psychosocial support and reintegration assistance to help them recover from the trauma of displacement.
Government officials have assured the returnees that they will not be abandoned and that programmes are being put in place to support their rehabilitation and economic reintegration. These initiatives include counselling, skills development and other forms of humanitarian assistance aimed at helping them rebuild their lives in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the growing accounts from returnees have renewed calls for stronger diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and South Africa to address recurring attacks on foreign nationals. Stakeholders have urged both governments to strengthen cooperation, ensure the protection of lawful migrants and bring perpetrators of violence to justice.
Human rights advocates have also stressed the need for sustained efforts to combat xenophobia and promote peaceful coexistence among all residents, regardless of nationality. They argue that respect for human rights and the rule of law remains essential in preventing future violence.
For Otoikhila, returning home marks the end of a frightening chapter but also the beginning of a difficult journey toward rebuilding his life. While grateful to have survived, he said the terrifying moment when a gun was pointed at him will remain with him for years, serving as a painful reminder of the dangers many migrants continue to face abroad.
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