Christmas: Christians Warned Against Pilgrimage to Israel, Major Reasons Emerge

Christmas: Christians Warned Against Pilgrimage to Israel, Major Reasons Emerge

  • Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago advised Christians against travelling to Israel for this year’s pilgrimage
  • Bago, represented by Deputy Speaker Afiniki Dauda, warned that sending pilgrims to Israel would be "equivalent to signing their death warrants"
  • Rev. Bulus Yohanna of CAN urged the governor to explore alternative pilgrimage destinations like Jordan, Turkey, or Rome

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.

Niger gov cautions Christians against going to Isreal for Christmas
Niger governor Bago warns Christians against pilgrimage to Isreal Photo credit: Mohammed Bago
Source: Facebook

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.

Read also

BREAKING: FG declares public holidays for Christmas, New Year 2025 celebrations, dates emerge

"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.ng reported that the Federal Government had declared public holidays to mark the Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations.

Read also

Former president Buhari reacts as over 50 children die in Ibadan, Abuja, Anambra stampedes

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.

PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ezra Ukanwa avatar

Ezra Ukanwa (Editor) Ezra Ukanwa is a Reuters-certified journalist with over 5 years of professional experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Anchor University, Lagos. Currently, he is the Politics and Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng, where he brings his expertise to provide incisive, impactful coverage of national events. Ezra was recognized as Best Campus Journalist at the Anchor University Communications Awards in 2019 and is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). Contact him at: ezra.ukanwa@corp.legit.ng or +2349036989944