Sixty-seven Nigerians repatriated from South Africa have arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos following concerns over xenophobic attacks in the country.

The returnees arrived aboard a South African Airways flight on Wednesday night, August 26, and were received by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.

Their arrival brings to 150 the number of Nigerians repatriated from South Africa with the assistance of a philanthropic group, following the return of 83 Nigerians last Thursday.

Representatives of the group, Ikem Ume-Ezeoke and Chief Charles Mba, welcomed the returnees and presented each person with N50,000 as immediate financial support.

NEMA South-West Coordinator, Alex Oturu, said the repatriation was facilitated by well-meaning Nigerians who provided funds for flight tickets and other forms of assistance.

According to Oturu, the latest batch returned to Nigeria because of xenophobic challenges faced by foreigners in South Africa.

The development comes amid reports of escalating violence against migrants in the country.

More than 176,000 people have reportedly left South Africa in recent weeks, according to an AFP tally based on figures provided by African countries that have repatriated their nationals.

South African police have confirmed that at least four migrants have been killed in the violence, although some foreign governments have put the death toll higher.