Lagos Government Airlifts 310 Pilgrims From Jerusalem Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict

Lagos State Government has airlifted 310 pilgrims from Jerusalem in response to the escalating conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas militant group.

In the early hours of Saturday, Hamas launched its unprecedented surprise assault on Israel, firing thousands of rockets and sending armed fighters into Israel. The attack killed at least 900 people in Israel and injured thousands, Israel’s Army Radio reported Monday.

Israel responded by declaring war on Hamas, resulting in the ongoing bombardment of Gaza with deadly airstrikes Monday as the violence continued into a third day.

The strikes have killed at least 687 people, including dozens of children and women, and left thousands injured, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

Responding to calls from stakeholders, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced that 310 pilgrims have been airlifted back to Nigeria from Jerusalem.

Sanwo-Olu appreciated the Lagos Ministry of Home Affairs for their efforts in ensuring the secure transportation of the citizens who had participated in the pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

“Good morning Lagos, I’m happy to announce that we have successfully airlifted and returned all three hundred and ten (310) citizens who went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Israel.

“I want to thank you all for your concern and I must also express my joy to our ministry of home affairs for a job well done,” he wrote on his Twitter page.

Good morning Lagos, I’m happy to announce that we have successfully airlifted and returned all three hundred and ten (310) citizens who went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Israel.

I want to thank you all for your concern and I must also express my joy to our Ministry of Home… pic.twitter.com/NrWhe9b3uX

— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) October 10, 2023

KanyiDaily had also reported that around 1,500 Hamas fighters’ bodies have been discovered in Israel near the Gaza Strip during the Isreal-Hamas conflict.