Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has expressed shock that three pilgrims from Delta State absconded during a pilgrimage to Jerusalem,  Israel.
Okowa disclosed this while swearing in Apostle Sylvannus Okorote as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters and the inauguration of Bishop Cyril Odutemu as Chairman, Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board on Tuesday in Asaba.
He promised to carry out an investigation into the incident.
The governor explained that there was a need for a thorough probe devoid of sentiment to prevent any recurrence of pilgrims absconding the moment they arrive in the holy land.
He said, “The issue of people absconding in Jerusalem rather than going for the purpose for which they were sent there is becoming very worrisome and a lot of work has to be done to check this trend. There have been information showing that three persons absconded during the pilgrimage.
“There will be an investigation into the sources where the recommendations for these individuals came from because such incident is very embarrassing and that is unacceptable to our state.
“So the process of screening would-be pilgrims must be one that is thorough; one that is devoid of sentiment and when we find those responsible for this incident, they will no longer be allowed to make recommendations now and in the future.”
Okowa, however, charged pilgrims to the Holy Land to distinguish themselves with high spirituality and attitudinal changes to justify the pilgrimage.