The federal government, through the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), on Tuesday announced the immediate suspension of all pilgrimages to Israel due to the security situation in the Middle East

The executive secretary of NCPC, Stephen Adegbite, made this known in a statement signed by Celestine Toruka, the commission’s spokesperson, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Adegbite said the measure was necessary because the commission prioritises the safety and comfort 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 said.

Mr Adegbite urged everyone to pray for peace in Jerusalem and the Middle East.

He revealed that the commission has successfully concluded the 2025 main pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan.

Mr Adegbite said the last batch of Christian pilgrims arrived safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on March 3.

The executive secretary expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, for their support.

“Without the president’s support, we would not have been able to conduct the five pilgrimages conducted since my appointment two years ago,” he added.

(NAN)