Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has approved the immediate disbursement of ₦31 million as relief support for 31 verified Abia indigenes who recently returned from South Africa following reported xenophobic attacks.
Under the intervention, each of the returnees is expected to receive ₦1 million as interim assistance to cushion the impact of their sudden return and support their immediate needs.
The state government disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.
According to the statement, the financial assistance is an immediate relief measure while the government develops a broader plan to support the returnees’ sustainable reintegration into society.
The government said detailed profiling of each beneficiary is currently underway to assess their individual circumstances, skills, economic conditions and other needs.
The profiling exercise, it explained, would guide the design of targeted interventions, including skills acquisition, business support, healthcare and psychosocial assistance where necessary.
Governor Otti said the intervention reflects his administration’s commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of Abians, regardless of their circumstances or location.
He assured the returnees that the state government would not abandon them in their time of need, stressing that every Abian deserves an opportunity to recover, rebuild and contribute meaningfully to society.
The government noted that Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa have faced displacement, loss of property and psychological trauma, forcing some to return home unexpectedly.
It said the latest intervention goes beyond immediate financial assistance, with plans to support the beneficiaries as they rebuild their lives and regain economic stability.
The administration also reaffirmed its commitment to social protection initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable residents and reintegrating displaced persons into productive activities.
The state government reiterated that “no Abian will be left behind,” assuring the returnees that Abia remains home to all its sons and daughters.
The 31 verified beneficiaries are expected to receive the approved payments as the government continues the profiling process and develops individualised reintegration plans.
The intervention has also drawn positive reactions from community leaders and stakeholders, who described the move as timely and responsive to the plight of the affected returnees.
