He implored Nigerians to refrain from protests or actions that could worsen tensions arising from the conflict.
The Federal Government has suspended all pilgrimages to Israel due to the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East.
The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, announced the immediate suspension of the religious exercise and journey on Tuesday.
Recall that war broke out in the region on Saturday after Israel and the United States launched what it called ‘preemptive attacks’ on Iran. The supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei, was killed during the attack. The attack spurred immediate response from Iran, which launched missile attacks against Israel and other countries in the region.
The renewed hostilities have severely impacted travel and aviation plans with airline companies cancelling flights to the Middle East as conflict lingers.
Speaking during a press briefing shortly after 500 pilgrims arrived in Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport from the 2025 Main Pilgrimage exercise, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Stephen Adegbite, said the recent security situation in the region has compelled the Commission to suspend further pilgrimages.
“You are aware of the latest security developments in Israel and the wider Middle East.
“In view of the state of emergency declared by Israeli authorities and restrictions on public gatherings, the Commission has decided to put on hold all pilgrimages both by the Commission and private operators until the security situation normalises,” he said.
Adegbite stressed that the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims is of the utmost importance, noting that the Commission is closely monitoring the situation.
He implored Nigerians to refrain from protests or actions that could worsen tensions arising from the crisis.
According to him, the suspension of pilgrimage activities would remain in place until the security situation in the Middle East improves tremendously and international travel to Israel is deemed safe.
“The Federal Government places a premium on peace and security. We therefore advise Nigerians to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could undermine national security or diplomatic relations,” he added.
Adegbite urged Christians and peace advocates to continue praying for stability in Jerusalem and across the Middle East to prevent a humanitarian crisis
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