Nigerians in Middle East send distress calls as FG halts pilgrimage
Escalating violence in the Middle East has disrupted Nigerian pilgrimage plans and triggered distress calls from citizens living and working in the region. The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission has announced the immediate suspension of all pilgrimages to Israel, citing the worsening security situation and the state of emergency declared by Israeli authorities. Executive Secretary Bishop Stephen Adegbite said the decision covers both government organised and privately arranged trips until conditions improve. He explained that the safety and welfare of pilgrims remain the top priority and urged intending pilgrims and operators to exercise patience while the Commission closely monitors developments. The suspension came shortly after the conclusion of the 2025 Main Pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan, during which over 4,000 pilgrims were successfully airlifted, with the last batch arriving Lagos on March 3. Adegbite appealed to Nigerians to pray for peace […]
