In consideration of anxieties generated by the ongoing conflict in Israel, theNigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission(NCPC) has decided to suspend airlifting of the last batch of intending Christian Pilgrims to Israel and Jordan.

Executive Secretary of NCPC, Reverend Yakubu Pam, who spoke on Tuesday, said while government’s assessment of the situation in Israel and realities on the ground indicated that the holy sites that Nigerian Christians usually visit are safe, increased anxieties in Nigeria constituted part of reasons why the airlift initially scheduled for Tuesday got postponed.

Emphasising that pilgrims’ security is most paramount for NCPC, he noted that perception of security begins from the mind, adding that a private group of 70 Nigerian Christian Pilgrims arrived Israel on Monday while a batch of Christian pilgrims from Lagos had just returned safely.

Nigerian Christian pilgrims visit Jordan, a Moslem nation, to see holy sites from the Old Testament era while much of the sites in Israel are from the New Testament period.

A statement by NCPC’s management on Tuesday, explained various stakeholders, including States Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards across the Federation, intending pilgrims and the general public have been formally informed the scheduled airlift of intending Christian Pilgrims to Israel and Jordan on Tuesday, 10th October, 2023 has been suspended.

“The Commission hereby reiterates that the safety of the Nigerian pilgrims remain our top priority and would not compromise the safety and well-being of our pilgrims. The Commission therefore appeals for patience and understanding of our esteemed stakeholders.

“We hereby assure you all that the Commission is in constant touch with our Ground Handlers over the precarious security situation in Israel.

“We would ensure that the stakeholders are promptly communicated as soon as the situation in Israel de-escalates.

“The Commission would want to use this medium to enjoin all Christians to intercede in prayer for peace and progress to prevail in Nigeria and in the State of Israel.

“We hereby regrets any inconvenience this suspension might have caused you,” the NCPC management stated.

No date has been fixed for the postponed airlift but a source informed The Nation that it is likely to take place sometimes in December.

“If we could read· the secret· history· of our enemies , we should find· in each man’s life· , sorrow· and suffering enough to disarm all hostility· .(The Nation)