Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved a ₦175 million resettlement package for 86 Delta indigenes evacuated from South Africa following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians.

The intervention, unveiled on Friday at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, includes a ₦2 million resettlement grant for each affected family, as well as monthly welfare stipends aimed at helping the returnees reintegrate and rebuild their lives.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Johnson Erijo, Governor Oborevwori announced that each returnee would receive a monthly allowance of ₦200,000, while every affected family would be paid ₦300,000 monthly. 

He disclosed that the payments would commence in August 2026 and continue until the expiration of his first tenure on May 29, 2027.

Describing the xenophobic attacks as a gross violation of human dignity, the governor condemned the violence and discrimination suffered by Nigerians in South Africa, stressing that no citizen should be subjected to intimidation or persecution because of their nationality.

He expressed sympathy to the victims over the physical, emotional and financial hardships they endured and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating the safe evacuation of the affected Nigerians back to the country.

As part of measures to aid their recovery, Oborevwori directed that all returnees receive free medical treatment and trauma counselling at state-owned hospitals. He also instructed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Services to provide psychosocial support to help them overcome the traumatic experiences.

"Our administration remains committed to creating opportunities for our people and supporting every effort to safeguard the rights and dignity of Nigerians wherever they may be," the governor stated.

He urged Deltans to receive the returnees with empathy and solidarity, assuring the beneficiaries that the unfortunate experience would not define their future.

Earlier, the Commissioner in charge of the Bureau for Special Duties, Mr. Ejiro Etacherure, described the intervention as a reflection of compassionate leadership and effective collaboration between the Federal Government and the Delta State Government.

According to him, the xenophobic attacks resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of businesses, prompting Governor Oborevwori to immediately order the identification, documentation and support of all returning Delta indigenes to ensure their smooth reintegration into society.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Jacob Agbada expressed profound appreciation to the governor for what he described as an unprecedented humanitarian gesture.

He noted that the ₦2 million resettlement grant and monthly stipends would significantly assist the victims in recovering from their losses and rebuilding their lives.

"The Governor's intervention is timely, compassionate and life-changing. We are deeply grateful for this remarkable support," Agbada said.