The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), on Tuesday declared the immediate suspension of all pilgrimages to Israel following the security challenges in the Middle East.
Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Executive Secretary of the NCPC, disclosed this in a statement issued by Mr Celestine Toruka, Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations of the commission, on Tuesday in Abuja.
He explained that the decision became imperative as the Commission places top priority on the safety and wellbeing of Nigerian pilgrims.
“The recent developments in the Middle East, including the imposition of a state of emergency in Israel, have led to the putting on hold of all pilgrimage exercises.”
“This also includes the ones being conducted by the private pilgrimage operators until the situation normalises.
“The NCPC is monitoring the situation closely and appreciates the cooperation of stakeholders and the media,” he said.
Adegbite called on all concerned to pray for peace in Jerusalem and across the Middle East region.
He further disclosed that the Commission had successfully wrapped up the 2025 Main Pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan.
According to him, the final group of Christian pilgrims returned safely to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on March 3.
