Israeli-Hamas conflict: NCPC suspends planned pilgrimage.

Israeli-Hamas conflict: NCPC suspends planned pilgrimage.

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) has decided to suspend all pilgrimages to Israel and Jordan due to the ongoing crisis in the nation.

The announcement was conveyed through a statement signed by Abu Okpanachi, the Head of Operations of the NCPC, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Yakubu Pam.

Initially, the Commission had planned to airlift consuls and self-sponsored intending pilgrims to Jordan, where they would spend four days before moving to Israel.

 

However, given the current situation, the Commission has assured the pilgrims that the pilgrimage will resume once the situation in Israel improves.

The Commission expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by the postponement.

The statement reads as follows: “I am directed to inform you that our planned pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan has been postponed due to the prevailing crisis situation in southern Israel.

“The Executive Secretary deeply regrets every inconvenience this will cause you and prays that the good Lord will give peace in our hearts, knowing that all things work together for good for us who love God.

“Kindly be assured that as soon as the situation improves, the Commission will commence the pilgrimage exercise. May the good Lord honour you greatly for your understanding.”

Meanwhile, the NCPC Executive Secretary, Yakubu Pam, has congratulated the fifth batch of pilgrims on their successful pilgrimage exercise in Israel.

The pilgrims, who were mostly the first batch of Lagos contingents, landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, at exactly 12:50 am local time today, October 10, 2023, after leaving the country on the 30th of September for the 2023 Easter pilgrimage completion exercise.

The NCPC boss expressed excitement for their safe arrival while commending their good conduct throughout the exercise.

“I am very excited to know that our fifth batch of pilgrims returned safely to the country, sound and complete,” he said.

He further commended them for their calm disposition, patience, comportment, and resilience throughout their eight nights and nine days of pilgrimage in the Holy Land, while reiterating that the safety of the Nigerian pilgrims would continue to be the top priority of his commission.