Commission: Christain pilgrims to visit sites in Rome, Greece due to Israel-Hamas war

The Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) says the Christians on pilgrimage will now visit Biblical sites in Rome and Greece because of the Israel-Hamas war.

Since October 2023, there has been a war in the Gaza Strip after Hamas, a group in Palestine, carried out attacks against Israel.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Yakubu Pam, executive secretary (ES) of the NCPC, said the safety and security of Nigerians are paramount to the commission.

Pam said the Christian pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan scheduled for December 2023 was suspended due to safety concerns.

“I have led NCPC teams to inspect holy sites across Greece and Rome, we have discussed extensively with government and local authorities and security, accommodation and good hospitality are assured as the very first batch of Nigerian Christian pilgrims visit these places to connect physically with New Testament locations of the gospel and do spiritual exercises, including meditation and prayers for our dear nation,” he said.

“Also, arrangements for smooth flight, good meals and local transportation have been concluded for the 2023/2024 main pilgrimage; state governments, states’ offices of Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards, churches and individuals have been formally informed about the modalities and the N3 million cost that only requires some augmentation of payment previously made for the Israel/Jordan trip.

“Unknown to many, Apostle Paul, Peter, and the early Christians are why we have Christian sites in Rome; it was from there and Greece Paul, Peter, and the early Christians are why we have Christian sites in Rome and also in Greece from where they founded several Christian communities in Asia Minor and Europe from the mid-40s to the mid-50s AD, beginning the spread of Christianity across the world.”

According to the NCPC boss, the pilgrimage costs N3 million and covers return flight tickets, hotel accommodation, three-course meal per day, and tours of holy sites in executive luxury buses for six nights and seven days.