Some Nigerians who have decided to leave South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic attacks are reportedly facing the challenge of being separated from their children who were born and raised in the country.
Francis Akpan, a Nigerian resident in Johannesburg and indigene of Akwa Ibom State, said the impact of anti-foreigner attacks extends beyond safety concerns, affecting families formed between Nigerian migrants and South African citizens.
Akpan explained that while he has not personally experienced xenophobic violence, he would consider returning to Nigeria if he had the resources to make the move, despite not completing his education there.
According to him, some Nigerian fathers have been unable to relocate with their children because of financial constraints, while others face difficulties obtaining permission from the children’s South African mothers.
He described the situation as a painful outcome of forced migration, noting that some Nigerians who return home do so without their children.
Akpan mentioned the case of a Nigerian man from Rivers State who reportedly returned to Nigeria while leaving his five adult children in South Africa. He also referred to another Nigerian from Cross River State who plans to relocate but may remain separated from his three children.
The Nigerian resident said many children of Nigerian migrants born in South Africa identify more closely with the country where they were raised and may have little connection with Nigeria.
He also highlighted the case of South African footballer Ime Okon, whose father was from Akwa Ibom State, noting that the player has identified himself as South African due to being born and raised there.
Akpan added that reports of xenophobic attacks have reduced following interventions and pressure from regional and international bodies. He further claimed that South Africa has engaged with other African countries over concerns linked to the departure of foreign-owned businesses.
The issue continues to highlight the complex social and family challenges faced by migrants caught between their countries of origin and host nations.
