Emilia Godwin, a Nigerian has narrated a painful account of her experience in South Africa, alleging that her husband was killed there and declaring that she will never return to the country.
Godwin made the remarks shortly after arriving in Nigeria as part of a group of citizens repatriated from South Africa following recent tensions and xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
Speaking with journalists at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, she expressed relief at finally returning home and described her arrival in Nigeria as the end of a long and difficult chapter of her life. 
‘I Am Happy to Be Back Home’
According to Godwin, life in South Africa had become increasingly challenging for many Nigerians, whom she claimed were often subjected to discrimination, intimidation and hostility.
“I am now in my country and I have my mouth to speak,” she said.
She alleged that Nigerians frequently faced harassment in public places and were often treated unfairly because of their nationality.
“They are wicked; they don’t like us. If you enter a taxi, they mock you, pull you and beat you,” she claimed.
Claims of Discrimination Against Nigerians
Godwin further alleged that many foreigners living in South Africa, particularly Nigerians, often felt powerless and unable to speak out against the treatment they experienced.
According to her, fear and insecurity forced many migrants to endure difficult conditions while trying to build better lives abroad.
“We were just like slaves there. We didn’t have a mouth to talk,” she said.
The returnee expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for facilitating the evacuation process and helping affected citizens return home safely.
‘I Will Never Go Back’
Reflecting on her years in South Africa, Godwin revealed that she first moved to the country in 2014 but began experiencing concerns about her safety and wellbeing a few years later.
She explained that despite wanting to leave earlier, circumstances prevented her from returning to Nigeria until the recent evacuation exercise.
“I will never go back to South Africa,” she said.
She added that even her child, who was born in South Africa, would not be returning to the country.
“Even my child, who was born there, will never return,” she stated.
Emotional Account of Husband’s Death
Godwin also recounted the loss of her husband, alleging that he was killed while they were living in South Africa.
While she did not provide detailed information about the circumstances surrounding his death, she described the incident as one of the most painful experiences of her life.
The grieving woman further made allegations against some individuals in South Africa, claiming that her husband’s death was connected to personal and property-related disputes.
However, her claims have not been independently verified by authorities.
Growing Concerns Over Xenophobic Attacks
Her testimony comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals have periodically reported attacks, harassment and discrimination.
In recent years, several incidents involving migrants from different African countries have sparked diplomatic concerns and calls for stronger protections for foreign residents.
The latest evacuation exercise was organised following reports of renewed tensions that left many Nigerians fearful for their safety.
For Godwin, returning to Nigeria represents an opportunity to rebuild her life after years marked by loss, uncertainty and hardship.
Despite the trauma she says she endured, she expressed hope that her future and that of her child would be safer and more secure in their home country.
