The Lagos State Government has suspended the airlifting of the second batch of intending pilgrims to Israel due to the ongoing war between that country and Hamas.
Some Christians from the state had gone for pilgrimage in Jerusalem and another set of pilgrims were scheduled to be airlifted to Israel today.
The Board Secretary of the state Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSCPWB), Mrs. Florence Gbafe, announced the suspension in a statement on Monday, saying the decision was as a result of keen observation of security situations in Israel.
According to her, the LSCPWB and the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) would announce a new date for the airlifting of the intending pilgrims in due course.
She said the board regreted any inconvenience the suspension might cause, adding that the intending pilgrims would be duly informed of developments about their journey to the Holy Land.
Gbafe further said: “To all on the second batch of pilgrimage to Israel, kindly note that the pilgrimage is now on hold due to the war situation in Israel. Further information will be communicated as and when due please”.
She maintained that the state and Federal Governments would continue to prioritise the safety of all pilgrims to the holy land and will not expose Nigerians to any situation that will put their security at risk.
She thanked God for the safety of the first batch of pilgrims from the state who had already concluded their pilgrimage activities on Sunday, revealing that they were expected to arrive in Nigeria today.
