Nigerian state suspends flights of pilgrims due to Hamas-Israeli fighting

By Timothy Olanrewaju

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - The Nigerian state of Lagos suspended flights Tuesday for Christian pilgrims to Israel because of the increased hostility between Hamas militants and Israel.

The head of Lagos State Christian Pilgrim Warfare Board, Florence Gbafe, said in a statement that flights of the second batch of pilgrims that were scheduled for Tuesday have been put on hold.

“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," she said.

She said the Nigerian government and Lagos state would continue to prioritize the safety of citizens and not allow them to be in danger in and outside Nigeria.

Gbafe said the National Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) and Lagos, will schedule another date for the flights of the remaining pilgrims.

More than 340 Nigerians performing the midyear Christian pilgrimage in Israel have already crossed to neighboring Jordan to visit other holy sites as violence erupted in Israel and Palestine, the National Christian Pilgrims Commission said Monday at the orientation of pilgrims in Lagos.

More than 10,000 Nigerian Christians travel annually to Israel and Palestine for the pilgrimage.