Lagos Govt Returns 310 Nigerian Pilgrims From Israel

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led government of Lagos State has successfully airlifted and returned to the country, three hundred and ten (310) Nigerians who went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Israel.

Governor Sanwo-Olu confirmed the development via his verified X handle on Tuesday.

Naija News reports that the Christian pilgrims were returned amidst the ongoing crisis between Israel and Palestine.

Hundreds of people have been killed in Gaza in retaliatory strikes by the Israeli air force following an offensive attack by Palestine militia group, Hamas.

”I’m happy to announce that we have successfully airlifted and returned all three hundred and ten (310) citizens who went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Israel.

”I want to thank you all for your concern, and I must also express my joy to our Ministry of Home Affairs for a job well done.

”We pray for peace in Israel, and indeed the world at large,” Sanwo Olu announced on the microblogging platform on Tuesday.

Israel Crisis: Lagos Govt Suspends Airlifting Of Second Batch Of Intending Pilgrims

The Lagos State Government had earlier announced the halting and airlifting of the second batch of intending pilgrims to Israel, Naija News reports.

It was gathered that the first batch of Christian pilgrims from the state had gone for pilgrimage in Jerusalem, and the second batch was slated to be airlifted to Israel on Tuesday, October 10.

However, the Board Secretary of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSCPWB), Florence Gbafe, announced the suspension on Tuesday morning, noting that the decision was a result of keen observation of security situations in Israel.

She said the LSCPWB and the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) will announce a new date for the airlifting of the second batch of intending pilgrims in due course.

Gbafe noted, “To all on the second batch of pilgrimage to Israel, kindly note that the pilgrimage is now on hold due to the war situation in Israel. Further information will be communicated as and when due, please.”

Gbafe maintained that the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government would continue to prioritize the safety of all pilgrims to the holy land and would not expose Nigerians to any situation that would put their security at risk.

She appreciated God for the safety of the first batch of pilgrims from Lagos State, who had already concluded their pilgrimage activities on Sunday, revealing that the pilgrims were expected to arrive in Nigeria later on Monday.