The Redeemed Christian Church of God, which sponsored the repatriation of 500 Nigerians stranded in South Africa amid xenophobic attacks, welcomed the first batch of 100 citizens Thursday night at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

RCCG Task Force chair for the Reception of Nigerian Returnees from South Africa, Belemina Obunge, said the church did not consider returnees’ religious faith as a factor in eligibility for repatriation.

Whether they were Christians or Muslims practitioners of other faiths, was inconsequential in the selection process, Mr Obunge clarified, adding that their nationality was the qualifying factor.

“They are Nigerians who, by reason of the situation we are all aware of, need to come back home,” Mr Obunge said, adding that “they are all unique, glorious Nigerians.”

“They are Muslims, Christians, all religions. And we are intentional in making sure that we have collaborated with the various government agencies,” the RCCG pastor added.

Earlier this month, RCCG general overseer Enoch Adeboye approved about $ 265,854 (N370 million) in funding to repatriate 500 Nigerians from Johannesburg to Nigeria amid reports of xenophobia.

“The church task force is here to welcome them upon arrival. We shall be offering prayers, we shall be encouraging them, and we shall support their orderly handover to the appropriate government agencies,” Mr Obunge explained.

He noted that the returnees will be evacuated in batches to follow the documentation and clearance process. 

Mr Obunge asked Nigerians in South Africa seeking to be flown home to contact the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa.