The airlifting of intending Christian pilgrims from Lagos State for a holy pilgrimage in Israel, earlier scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 10, has been put on hold due to the escalating Israel–Hamas conflict.
The first batch of pilgrims, who were already in Israel, successfully concluded their activities on Sunday, Oct. 8, and all 310 pilgrims have returned.
Good morning Lagos,
I’m happy to announce that we have successfully airlifted and returned all three hundred and ten (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… pic.twitter.com/1gOU3Jtr34
— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) October 10, 2023
However, the current fragile security situation in Israel prompted the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, LSCPWB, to halt the airlifting of the second batch.
The Board Secretary of the LSCPWB, Florence Gbafe said the decision of the Nigerian government to suspend the pilgrimage was to not endanger the lives of the pilgrims.
Gbafe said “further information” will be communicated to the intending pilgrims as and when due.
No date has been given for the airlifting.
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