More than 30 Imo indigenes who recently returned from South Africa on Thursday appealed to Governor Hope Uzodimma to extend the ₦1m grant given to other returnees to them.

The returnees, numbering over 30, gathered a few metres from the Imo State Government House on Thursday, requesting to see whoever was in charge of the South Africa returnees’ reintegration desk so they could be included.

Bearing placards, they appealed to the state government to extend the gesture to them, saying they had to start afresh to rebuild their lives.

The returnees commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for supporting those who had earlier returned from South Africa but said they had yet to be captured for the assistance.

One of the returnees said, “These are the Imolites from South Africa to appeal to the Governor for inclusion. We are pleading to whoever is in charge to please include us and assist.”

Another returnee, Joseph Njoku, said, “We gathered here from South Africa. We appreciate what the Governor started but we have not been captured. We want the support from him.”

In June, Uzodimma, while receiving the first batch of Nigerian returnees from South Africa, announced and awarded a ₦1m cash grant to each Imo indigene who had been repatriated.

Nigerians and other Africans were forced to leave South Africa following waves of attacks by locals who accused foreigners of taking jobs meant for South Africans.

Efforts to speak with the state Commissioner for Information, Chief Declan Emelumba, for a reaction proved abortive, as he did not respond to calls as of the time of publishing this report.