Following an appeal by Christian faithfuls in Niger state seeking for governments support, the State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago has in Sunday disclosed that he can not approve pilgrimage to the Holy land of Israel saying “it is death sentence”.
He charged Christians in the state to exercise patience regarding the yearly pilgrimage, stating that the current challenges in the Middle East, particularly in Israel, pose a significant threat to the safety of pilgrims.
Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Niger state House of Assembly, Hon. Afiniki Dauda at the 2024 State Christmas Carol organized by the Niger state Government in conjunction with state chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Minna, Governor Bago urged Christians to be patient and wait until peace returns to the Middle East
According to him “allowing pilgrims to travel there would be equivalent to signing their death warrants. I cannot authorize 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. The safety of our citizens is paramount, and we will not compromise on that.”
In his message, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria CAN Niger state chapter, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna appealed to the Governor to consider Christians for holy pilgrimage.
According to him “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.”
While calling on Christians to continue to pray for the Governor, Bishop Yohanna urged Christians to share show love and share with others.