The ongoing bloody clashes between Israel forces and Palestinians has forced the Lagos State government to suspend further airlifting of Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem.
Consequently, the airlifting of pilgrims for a holy pilgrimage in Israel, earlier scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, October 10, 2023 has been put on hold.
The Secretary, Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSCPWB), Mrs. Florence Gbafe announced the suspension of the airlifting on Monday.
According to her, the decision was a result of keen observation of security situations in Israel.
She said 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 board regrets any inconvenience that the suspension of the airlifting might cause, Gbafe stated that the intending pilgrims would be duly informed of developments about their journey to the Holy Land.
“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,” She said.
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 today, Monday, 9th October 2023.
The recent conflict between Israel-Hamas started a few days ago and has continued to record casualties on a daily basis. (vitalnewsngr.com)
