The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), has immediately halted all pilgrimages to Israel because of the ongoing security concerns in the Middle East.
Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the NCPC Executive Secretary, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, signed by Mr Celestine Toruka, the commission’s Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations.
He explained that the suspension is to ensure the safety and well-being 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 added.
Adegbite also called on everyone to pray for peace in Jerusalem and across the Middle East.
He confirmed that the Commission successfully completed the 2025 Main Pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan, noting that the last group of Christian pilgrims returned safely to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on March 3.
