Five Plateau Christian pilgrims denied entry into Israel amid Middle East tension
Five Pilgrims Denied Entry to Israel During Plateau State Holy Land Journey
Five Christian pilgrims from Plateau State were denied entry into Israel after arriving in Jordan as part of a Holy Land pilgrimage scheduled for 2026. The group was among the first batch of 295 pilgrims traveling to visit sites significant to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
Upon reaching the Jordan-Israel border, the pilgrims were informed that their visas allowed only for entry into Jordan. Rev. Wanson Yusufu Bagu, Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, explained that the visa list was received shortly before the pilgrims’ orientation and farewell ceremony, which limited the opportunity to address any discrepancies.
“We could not resolve any issues due to the extremely short notice. I later discovered that some pilgrims had been issued visas only for Jordan and were denied entry to Israel. Had we known earlier, we could have informed them in time, allowing them to either remain in Jordan or cancel their trip,” Bagu said.
Rev. Bagu expressed disappointment, noting Israel’s significance as a central destination for Christians due to its biblical associations. “To prepare spiritually and financially, only to be told at the last minute that you cannot enter is very painful and unexpected,” he added.
He emphasized that visa denials are not uncommon in international travel. “Even wealthy individuals can face visa rejections for countries like the UK or the USA and often must reapply multiple times before succeeding. This is a normal occurrence,” he stated.
Bagu indicated that the Israeli embassy had informed Jordanian authorities about the visa restrictions and that arrangements had been made for the affected pilgrims. “Jordanian officials have provided hotel accommodations, meals, dedicated transport, and tour guides. They will visit significant biblical and historical sites in Jordan while the rest of the group completes their program in Israel,” he said.
Originally, the first batch was planned to consist of 300 pilgrims; however, only 295 were able to travel. Three additional batches are scheduled for the pilgrimage exercise.
The board has submitted 466 names to the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission for the second batch, with at least 350 pilgrims expected to depart on March 5, 2026. A third batch is also being arranged, with the departure date yet to be determined.
Rev. Bagu addressed concerns regarding increases in pilgrimage costs, clarifying that the Plateau State Government has not raised its sponsorship contribution. He attributed the rise in expenses to fluctuations in exchange rates, noting that similar issues have affected Muslim pilgrims seeking to undertake the Hajj.
