Israel-Hamas War: Lagos Suspends Airlifting Of Second Batch Of Intending Pilgrims

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Lagos State Government has suspended the airlifting of intending pilgrims from the state for a holy pilgrimage in Israel due to the prevailing conflict in Israel.

The trip was earlier scheduled for Tuesday, 10th October, 2023.

In a statement on Monday, the Board Secretary of Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSCPWB), Mrs. Florence Gbafe, said the decision to put the trip on hold 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.

LSCPWB Executive Secretary, Mrs. Florence Gbafe

“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 Lagos pilgrimage official said.

Gbafe 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 were expected to arrive in Nigeria later on Monday.

The recent war between Israel and Hamas started on Saturday after the latter launched a surprise attack, leading to more than 1,000 deaths in Israel and Palestine.

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