Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, yesterday expressed the federal government’s disappointment with the manner South African authorities and security agencies have handled the ongoing harassment and intimidation of Nigerians in the country.

This is even as the government has launched a crisis response to evacuate Nigerians from South Africa after a wave of attacks and property looting that left them”imperiled” and “in distress.”

It also yesterday postponed the evacuation of 270 Nigerians from South Africa to tomorrow, citing unforeseen logistical challenges. Recall that the evacuation had earlier been slated to begin yesterday.

Speaking to State House correspondents, the minister rejected claims by some South African authorities that most affected Nigerians were illegal migrants.

Asked whether Nigeria might retaliate by restricting privileges for South Africans in Nigeria, Ambassador Ojukwu did not rule out punitive responses.

Blaze 91.5 FM