Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has advised Christians in the state against embarking on this year’s pilgrimage to Israel due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In a statement made during the 2024 state Christmas Carol on Sunday, December 22, Bago urged the faithful to exercise caution over travelling to the Holy Land, citing the “lack of peace” in the region.
Bago: Pilgrimage could lead to tragedy
Bago, represented by Deputy Speaker Afiniki Dauda, stressed the risk posed by the current situation in Israel, where ongoing warfare has resulted in casualties.
“Allowing pilgrims to travel there would be equivalent to signing their death warrants,” Bago said.
The Niger state governor emphasized his reluctance to authorize the trip under such dangerous circumstances, The Punch reported.
“The safety of our citizens is paramount, and we will not compromise on that,” he added.
Rev. Bulus Yohanna, Chairman of the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), called on the governor to consider alternative pilgrimage destinations for the state’s Christians, Leadership reported.
“I urge Your Excellency to consider pilgrimage to Jordan, Turkey, or even Rome, as there are opportunities at the federal level for intending pilgrims,” Yohanna said.
FG declares holidays for Christmas, new year celebrations
Earlier, Legit reported that the Federal Government had declared public holidays to mark the Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations.
The Hon. Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, declared Monday, and Tuesday, December, 25 and 26 2023, and Monday, January 1, 2024, as the public holidays.
He felicitated with Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on this occasion, enjoining them to emulate the life of Jesus Christ in his practice and teachings of humility, service, compassion, and patience.
