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Nearly 200 Nigerians return from South Africa after violence

LAGOS, Nigeria — Nearly 200 Nigerians have returned from South Africa, accepting a free flight back after weeks of violence targeting foreigners in South Africa’s cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Air Peace airlifted 187 Nigerians Wednesday, according to chairman Allen Onyema. About 700 Nigerians have registered with missions in South Africa, hoping to leave amid foreign-targeted violence.

Jude Anthony said Nigerians were targeted in their homes, saying the attacks were about segregation and oppression.

Rose Uzoma, a Congolese citizen who is married to a Nigerian, said she was happy to bring her children to Nigeria after fears of being attacked or killed in South Africa.

Bands of South Africans launched violent attacks last week against foreign-owned shops and stalls. More than 12 people were killed and 700 people have been arrested.

The Associated Press