Nigerian returnee Itoro Victor Richard has recounted an encounter he says convinced him to leave South Africa after 15 years, claiming an acquaintance warned him he would become a target during rising anti-immigration tensions.
Speaking on Arise News on Monday, July 6, 2026, Richard said the warning came from a petrol station attendant he regularly patronised. He said what began as a casual conversation turned into a threat that made him fear for his safety.
According to Richard, the attendant told him, “Come the 30th, you will see a different me.”
Richard said the exchange escalated after he referred to the man as a young person. Quoting the encounter, he said: “You call me a young man, but come the 30th of June, you will know I’m not a young man.”
He alleged that the man went on to threaten him and his family, convincing him that his life was in imminent danger. Richard said the incident, along with other warning signs, forced him to abandon his businesses, investments and years of work in South Africa and return to Nigeria.
His account comes amid renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals following reports of rising anti-immigration tensions in South Africa.
