October 9, 2023

Due to the prevailing conflict in Israel, the airlifting of some intending pilgrims from Lagos State for a holy pilgrimage in Israel, earlier scheduled for Tuesday, 10th October 2023 has been put on hold.

The Board Secretary of Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSCPWB), Mrs. Florence Gbafe made this known on Monday, saying that the decision was a result of keen observation of security situations in Israel.

According to her, the Board and the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), will announce a new date for the airlifting of the second batch of the intending pilgrims in due course.

While noting that the State Christian Board regrets any inconvenience that the suspension of the airlifting of the pilgrims might cause, Gbafe stated that the intending pilgrims would be duly informed of developments about their journey to the Holy Land.

In her words: “To all in 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”.

The Executive Secretary maintained that the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government will 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 Lagos State who had already concluded their pilgrimage activities on Sunday, 8th October 2023, revealing that the pilgrims are expected to arrive in Nigeria later on Monday, 9th October 2023.

It should be noted that the recent conflict between Israel-Hamas started a few days ago and has continued to record casualties on a daily basis.