- As Lagos airlifts 310 pilgrims home from Jerusalem
BY EDMOND ODOK – The Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) has announced the immediate suspension of all pilgrimages to Israel and Jordan following the raging conflict between the Israeli Armed Forces and the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip.
This is as the Lagos State government also announced the airlifting of 310 pilgrims from Jerusalem back to the state amid the ongoing war in the region even as reports indicated that the casualty figures have continued to rise, with over 1,600 dead, thousands wounded, and hospitalized while many others still missing in action.
In a statement announcing the suspension of the pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan, NCPC’s Head of Operations, Abu Okpanachi, who signed for the Executive Secretary, Yakubu Pam, said the Commission deeply regrets the inconveniences caused by the development.
The Commission’s initial plans were to airlift consular and self-sponsored intending pilgrims in the later hours of Tuesday to Amman in Jordan, where they would have spent four days before being airlifted to Israel. But with the current situation on the ground, Okpanachi assured the pilgrims that the Commission would restart the exercise as soon as things improved in Israel.
According to Okpanachi’s statement; “I am directed to inform you that our planned pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan has been postponed due to the prevailing crisis situation in Southern Israel.
“The Executive Secretary deeply regrets every inconvenience this will cause you and prays that the Good Lord will give peace in our hearts, knowing that all things work together for good for us who love God.
“Kindly be assured that as soon as the situation improves, the Commission will commence the pilgrimage exercise. May the Good Lord honour you greatly for your understanding.”
310 Lagos Pilgrims Back Home
In its reaction to the raging war, the Lagos State Government confirmed on Tuesday that 310 Christian pilgrims have airlifted from Jerusalem back home.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who disclosed this via his verified social media handles while responding to calls from the pilgrims, wrote on his X handle (formerly Twitter); “Good morning Lagos, I’m happy to announce that we have successfully airlifted and returned all 310 citizens who went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Israel.
“I want to thank you all for your concern and I must also express my joy to our Ministry of Home Affairs for a job well done.”
Meanwhile, the NCPC’s Executive Secretary, Mr Pam, while congratulating the pilgrims, expressed excitement over their safe arrival and commended their good conduct throughout the exercise.
“I am very excited to know that our fifth batch of pilgrims returned safely to the country, sound and complete,” the Commission boss stated.
