Nigerians Return Home from South Africa, Share Tales of Struggle and Resilience

In a poignant homecoming, Eze Pauline Ijeoma stepped onto Nigerian soil, feeling a profound sense of relief and gratitude after years of hardship in South Africa. She was among 105 Nigerian returnees who were brought back by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), escaping a reality fraught with xenophobic attacks, police harassment, and significant obstacles to running her food business.

"I would say that we are so grateful and we are so happy to be home because there is no place like home," Ijeoma, originally from Imo State, expressed. Her words resonate deeply with many Nigerians who have faced similar adversities abroad. She recounted the fear and anxiety that loomed over her daily life in South Africa, where she felt compelled to abandon her business due to constant threats and the oppressive presence of law enforcement.

"I don’t go to business because every time you go to business, you come back with your food. I’m a food seller. So, it is very horrible for now. I don’t sell because anytime you go out, police will arrest you. And you sell it inside the cell,” Ijeoma lamented.

Ijeoma's journey to South Africa began in 2013, a time when she believed opportunities awaited her. However, the reality she faced upon her return in 2023 starkly contrasted with her initial hopes. "It wasn’t like that before. But silently, they always do it. This period, it was so hard," she reflected, highlighting the escalating challenges that have made life increasingly unbearable for many Nigerians living abroad.

The emotional toll of her experiences cannot be understated. As she reunites with her homeland, Ijeoma carries not only the weight of her struggles but also the hope of rebuilding her life in a place where she feels safe. "No more xenophobic, no more attack, no more police, no more problems. No more killings. So, we are so happy," she stated, embodying the relief that many returnees feel as they seek to reclaim their lives.