By Zainab Bakare
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 a ₦2 million grant alongside monthly financial assistance.
The intervention, unveiled at a reception for the returnees at the Government House in Asaba, also includes free medical screening, trauma counselling and reintegration support to help victims rebuild their lives after losing businesses, property and livelihoods during the attacks.
Representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Chief of Staff, Johnson Erijo, said individual returnees would receive a monthly stipend of ₦200,000, while families would receive ₦300,000 monthly from August 2026 until the end of the governor’s first term.
Governor Oborevwori condemned the xenophobic attacks, stressing that no one should be attacked, displaced or forced to live in fear because of their nationality.
He assured the returnees of the state’s commitment to their recovery and urged them not to allow the traumatic experience to diminish their aspirations.
The governor also appreciated President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government for facilitating the safe evacuation of the affected Nigerians, while calling on communities across Delta State to welcome the returnees with compassion and support.
Commissioner in charge of the Bureau for Special Duties, Etacherure Terry, said the governor approved emergency funding after the State Emergency Management Agency exhausted its statutory allocation for the year.
He added that every returning Deltan would be identified, documented and assisted to restart life in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Jacob Agbada described the attacks as devastating, saying many Nigerians lost businesses, vehicles and other valuable property.
Another returnee, Saturday Akanuche, said the intervention had restored his hope and would enable him to rebuild his life and establish a small business.
