Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has urged Christian pilgrims in the state to postpone their pilgrimage to Israel this year due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The region has been embroiled in warfare between Israel and some Arab nations, resulting in numerous casualties, raising concerns about the safety of pilgrims.
Governor Bago, speaking at the 2024 state Christmas Carol organized by the state government in conjunction with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the Justice Legbo Kutigi International Conference Hall in Minna, appealed to the Christian faithful to exercise patience and reconsider traveling to Israel due to the instability in the Holy Land. He emphasized that sending pilgrims to the region amidst the conflict would be akin to “signing their death warrants.”
Represented by the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Afiniki Dauda, the governor expressed his commitment to protecting the lives of his constituents, stating, “I am not willing to give tickets that would lead to the death of our Christian brothers and sisters.” He further urged the public to wait until peace is restored in the Middle East before proceeding with the pilgrimage, stressing that the safety of citizens is a top priority.
In response, the Chairman of the state chapter of CAN, Bulus Yohanna, appealed to the governor to explore alternative pilgrimage options for the state’s Christian population. He suggested destinations such as Jordan, Turkey, Rome, or Greece, where pilgrims could go as safer alternatives. Yohanna also urged Christians to continue praying for the governor and to demonstrate love and solidarity with others during this festive season.
