FG PUTS CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE ON HOLD AMID RISING MIDDLE EAST CRISIS
Read Time:1 Minute, 2 Second
By: Fasasi Hammad
The Federal Government has announced the immediate suspension of all Christian pilgrimage trips to Israel due to the worsening security climate in the Middle East.
The decision was disclosed on Tuesday by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC).
In a statement jointly issued by the Commission’s Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations, Mr. Celestine Toruka, and its Executive Secretary, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the suspension was attributed to recent security developments in Israel, including the declaration of a state of emergency.
Adegbite noted that safeguarding the lives and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims remains the Commission’s top priority, adding that all pilgrimage activities will remain on hold until the situation stabilises.
He clarified that the directive affects both government-sponsored pilgrimages and those arranged by private tour operators.
“The Commission is closely monitoring developments and appreciates the understanding and cooperation of stakeholders and the media,” he stated.
The NCPC leadership also called on Nigerians to pray for enduring peace in Jerusalem and across the broader Middle East region.
However, the Commission confirmed that its 2025 main pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan was successfully concluded, with the final group of pilgrims arriving safely at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on March 3.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0