Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace has warned against scammers who are allegedly collecting money from Nigerians in South Africa for their evacuation back to the country.
The airline insisted that it is offering a free flight to Nigerians who wish to return home and urged them not to pay money to anybody.
This development is coming after the carrier offered to evacuate victims afftected by the xenophobic attack from South Africa.
The airline gave the warning in reaction to disturbing report that unauthorized people were illegally collecting $1000 from each Nigerian that wanted to take advantage of that flight.
A Nigerian living in South Africa sent mail to the airline requesting to confirm whether the flight is free because some people were already collecting money for the flight.
Part of the mail sent by a Nigerian resident in South Africa, Fred Okeke read, “We heard that you are donating the flight for free evacuation from South Africa to Nigeria, but it is very unfortunate to hear that they are asking the affected victims to pay the sum of $1000 as registration to be eligible to benefit from the fight. So I want to bring it to your notice.”
Reacting to the incident, Allen Onyema Air Peace Chairman said, “We are offering free trip to Nigerians in South Africa to return home after going through the traumatic experience of the attacks. Air Peace has said this is free and we are doing it in solidarity with the federal government.
“We have not designated or recruited any agent in South African to collect money on behalf of Air Peace. So nobody should pay money to anyone or group of persons posing as Air Peace agent or staff. Any Nigerian who has paid money for repatriation back to Nigeria with Air Peace should request for a refund and report to appropriate authorities.”
IFEOMA OKEKE
