Nigerian Pilgrims to Israel have been warned against absconding in this year’s spiritual exercise.
The executive secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Reverend Yakubu Pam said such pilgrim would face prosecution.
Reverend Pam gave the warning during the Air lifting of over 270 pilgrims from Taraba and Gombe States.
Taraba and Gombe Christian pilgrims participating in this year pilgrimage are over 270 persons.
This year’s pilgrimage is crucial to the contingents who believe they have much to give to the nation as the 2023 general election approaches.
Some of them who spoke to Tvcnews expressed determination to pray against insecurity and peaceful coexistence of the nation.
Addressing the contingents, executive secretary of the commission appealed to the pilgrims to be good ambassadors while in the holy land.
Rev. Yakubu Pam, reminded them that “pilgrimage is a spiritual journey, not a jamboree”.
He said that the intending pilgrims must also regard the exercise as important to their spiritual growth.
Pam also urged them to pray for continued peace and stability of the nation, considering the current security challenges bedeviling the nation, especially now that the 2023 general elections were fast approaching.
He also advised them not to abscond, describing it as a grave offence.
Revd Pam told them that measures have been put in place to ensure that absconders are arrested and prosecuted.
He further urged them to exhibit the best behaviour, while in the holy land and follow laid down security rules as they embarked on the journey.
He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, Taraba and Gombe state governors, Secretary to Government of the Federation for their support which aided the successes recorded.
The executive secretary noted that the spiritual exercise is usually associated with challenges, and asks the pilgrims to carry them in their stride as the reward outweighs any challenge that will be encountered.
