The Nasarawa State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board has warned intending Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem to desist from any plan to abscond while on pilgrimage.

Executive secretary of the board, David Ayewa, gave the warning on Monday in Lafia during the 2022 orientation exercise for the intending pilgrims in the state.

He said that pilgrims from the state have kept good records in the past, and they should surpass the previous performance.

He warned that anyone who absconded would be caught and punished, as Israel had one of the best security systems in the world.

Mr Ayewa also informed them that they must receive the full dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before travelling to Israel.

He said that out of the 120 intending pilgrims from the state, 117 were government-sponsored while three were self-sponsored.

The secretary assured them that the board had already arranged hotel accommodation and that they would be transported on June 24 from Abuja.

On his part, Nicholas Kiba, zonal director of Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), urged the intending pilgrims to pray for peace and unity in the country.

The NCPC representative advised them to adhere to directives from their officials and always move in groups for security reasons while in the holy land.

Also, Sunday Emma, the team leader, urged the intending pilgrims not to indulge in any conduct capable of bringing shame to the state.

(NAN)