Nigeria Suspends Israel Pilgrimage Over Middle East Tensions
Nigeria has suspended all Christian pilgrimages to Israel and other Middle East countries following growing security concerns in the region.
The Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) announced the decision as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East.
NCPC Halts Pilgrimage Trips
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, announced the suspension during a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday.
He said the decision affects pilgrimages organised by the Commission and those arranged by private tour operators.
According to Adegbite, the Commission took the step to protect Nigerian pilgrims from potential security risks.
He added that the suspension will remain in place until the security situation in Israel and neighbouring countries improves.
Over 500 Nigerian Pilgrims Return Safely
Bishop Adegbite confirmed that the final batch of more than 500 Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2025 pilgrimage exercise returned safely to Nigeria on Tuesday.
Church leaders also confirmed that about 600 Nigerian pilgrims who were in Israel and the West Bank at the start of the conflict had already been evacuated through Jordan before returning home.
Federal Government Monitoring Situation
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) said the Federal Government is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East.
In a statement issued by its Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the commission revealed that Nigerians living in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Iran have contacted authorities about possible evacuation plans.
Balogun explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with relevant agencies to assess the situation and determine appropriate steps.
He urged Nigerians in affected countries to follow official travel advisories and use the emergency contact numbers provided by the ministry.
He also reassured citizens that the government is taking steps to ensure the safety of Nigerians abroad.
Conflict Escalates Across Middle East
The crisis intensified after the United States and Israel carried out military strikes on Iranian targets early Saturday.
Iran later launched retaliatory attacks on Israel and several US-allied states in the Gulf region.
The escalation has disrupted air travel across the Middle East. Several countries have shut down their airspace, forcing airlines to cancel many international flights.
As a result, some travellers heading to religious destinations in the region have become stranded.
Pilgrimage Important for Nigerian Christians
Every year, thousands of Nigerian Christians travel to biblical sites such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth.
Many state governments help organise or subsidise these trips because of their spiritual significance.
Pilgrimages often attract large numbers of participants, especially during major Christian seasons like Easter.
With Easter approaching, the suspension will likely affect many believers who had already planned their journeys.
Muslim Pilgrims Also Affected
The disruption has also affected Nigerian Muslims planning to travel for Umrah in Saudi Arabia.
Unlike the annual Hajj pilgrimage, Umrah can take place at any time of the year.
Some travellers who had already booked flights and accommodation now face uncertainty because of cancelled flights.
One prospective pilgrim in Kano, Alhaji Zaharaddeen Abubakar, told BBC Hausa he had hoped to travel to Mecca but must now wait.
Travel agents also confirmed that some passengers who had already boarded planes were forced to disembark after flight cancellations.
