Intending Christian pilgrims from Kogi State who were scheduled to depart Nigeria for Israel, have been told to wait further until the conflict situation between Israel and Palestine have improved positively.
The pilgrims were few hours away from leaving Lokoja on Tuesday to join other passengers in Abuja, where they were scheduled to depart the country in an 11pm flight.
ebirareporters.com gathered that the last minute suspension of the trip was received by some of the travelers at the rendezvous point in the state capital.
The Director of Operations, State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abu Okpanachi, who announced the suspension of the trip in a statement said, “I am directed to inform you that our planned pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan has been postponed due to the prevailing crisis situation in Southern Israel.
“The Executive Secretary deeply regrets every inconvenience this will cause you, and prays that the good Lord will give peace in our hearts, knowing that all things work together for good for us who love God.
“Kindly be assured that as soon as the situation improves, the Commission will commence the pilgrimage exercise.May the good Lord honour you greatly for your understanding.”
The historical war between Palestine and Israel was reawakened by a surprise attack on Israel by Palestinian group, Hamas – combining gunmen breaching security barriers and a barrage of rockets fired from Gaza at dawn during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.
The militants also struck Israelis at a Music festival, where they killed no fewer than 260 people and took others hostage.
At least 600 Israelis and 370 Palestinians dead and thousands more wounded as fighting rages, media reports.
Israel has declared a “state of war” as its army continues to face off against Palestinian fighters in several areas across southern Israel.
The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to turn the besieged Palestinian enclave into a “deserted island”.
“Israel is at war. We didn’t want this war. It was forced upon us in the most brutal and savage way. But though Israel didn’t start this war, Israel will finish it,” he said.
Israel is at war.
We didn’t want this war.
It was forced upon us in the most brutal and savage way.
But though Israel didn’t start this war, Israel will finish it.Once, the Jewish people were stateless.
Once, the Jewish people were defenseless.
No longer.Hamas will… pic.twitter.com/eVECGnzLu3
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 9, 2023
