ASABA — Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Friday condemned the recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa as “a gross violation of human rights and human dignity,” announcing a comprehensive relief package that includes a ₦2 million grant for each affected Delta family and monthly welfare stipends to help victims rebuild their lives.
The governor also approved a monthly welfare stipend of ₦200,000 for each returnee and ₦300,000 for every affected family, effective from August 2026 until the end of his first tenure on May 29, 2027, as part of measures to facilitate their reintegration into society.
Speaking while receiving the returnees at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, Governor Oborevwori, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo, said no individual should be subjected to violence, intimidation or discrimination because of nationality, describing the attacks as an affront to the universal principles of human dignity and peaceful coexistence.
He expressed sympathy with the victims over the physical, emotional and financial losses they suffered, assuring them that the Delta State Government would stand firmly behind them as they rebuild their lives.
Oborevwori also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift intervention, which facilitated the safe evacuation of the affected Nigerians from South Africa.
To further cushion the impact of their ordeal, the governor directed that all returnees be given free medical screening at government-owned health facilities across the state. He also instructed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Services to provide trauma counselling and psychosocial support for the victims and their families.
Urging Deltans to receive the returnees with compassion, solidarity and kindness, Oborevwori said those values reflected the true Delta spirit, stressing that the painful experience would not define the future of the victims.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for all citizens while calling for greater protection of the rights, safety and dignity of Nigerians living abroad.
Earlier, the Commissioner in charge of the Bureau for Special Duties, Hon. Ejiro Etacherure, assured the returnees of the state government’s commitment to helping them rebuild their lives, describing their safe return as a testament to compassionate leadership and effective collaboration between the federal and state governments.
Etacherure recalled that reports of the xenophobic attacks, which claimed lives, destroyed businesses and property and left many Nigerians traumatised, were received with deep shock and sadness.
He thanked God for preserving the lives of the victims and commended Governor Oborevwori for his prompt intervention and unwavering commitment to their welfare.
According to him, the governor personally directed that every returning Deltan be properly identified, documented and received with dignity, while relevant government agencies were mandated to provide all necessary assistance for their successful reintegration.
He urged the returnees to take advantage of the numerous economic and empowerment opportunities available in Delta State, expressing confidence that they could rebuild their lives under the Oborevwori administration.
Responding on behalf of the returnees, Mr. Jacob Agbada expressed profound appreciation to the governor for approving the ₦2 million grant and the monthly welfare stipends, describing the intervention as timely, compassionate and life-changing.
He said the returnees were deeply grateful to Governor Oborevwori for his generosity and unwavering support during one of the most difficult periods of their lives, adding that the assistance had renewed their hope for a brighter future.
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