Bago concerned over safety, counsels Christians against pilgrimage amid Middle East conflict
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Christians from Niger State should shelve plans for a pilgrimage to Israel this year because of the conflict in the Middle East, Governor Mohammed Bago has counselled.
The Middle East is currently a theatre of war Israel is waging against Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran which has produced thousands of casualties with many more displaced in refugee camps.
Bago expressed his view on Sunday at the 2024 Christmas Carol organised by the state government in Minna where he implored Christians to exercise patience over this year’s pilgrimage, citing “the lack of peace in the Holy Land”.
The event was organised in conjunction with the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the Justice Legbo Kutigi International Conference Hall.
“I appeal to the Christian faithful in the state to exercise patience over this year’s pilgrimage to Israel over the lack of peace in the Holy Land. Allowing pilgrims to travel there would be equivalent to signing their death warrants,” said Bago, who was represented by state Assembly Deputy Speaker Afiniki Dauda.
In his view, the current challenges in the Middle East, particularly in Israel, pose a significant threat to the safety of pilgrims.
He insisted that he would not in good conscience authorise a trip that would put the lives of Christian pilgrims at risk.
“I am not willing to give tickets that would lead to the death of our Christian brothers and sisters. I urge them to be patient and wait until peace returns to the Middle East. The safety of our citizens is paramount, and we will not compromise on that.”
State CAN Chairman Bulus Yohanna had urged Bago to consider Christians in the state for pilgrimage.
“I want to take this opportunity to appeal to your excellency to consider pilgrimage to Jordan/Israel, Turkey/Jordan, and Rome or Greece, as there is an opportunity at the federal level for intending pilgrims,” he said.
Yohanna urged Christians in the state to continue to pray for Bago and appealed to them to show love and share with others.
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