From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board says it has proposed about 1,100 pilgrims for the 2026 pilgrimage to the Holy Land, with an additional 13 outstanding from the 2025 exercise, bringing the total expected number to 1,120.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Rev. Wanson Yuaufu Bagu, disclosed this on Thursday while addressing journalists in his office in Jos.
He said about 800 of the intending pilgrims had so far been screened, while others were yet to complete the screening process.
Bagu explained that the first batch, initially projected to comprise 300 pilgrims, departed with 295 pilgrims, five of whom were denied entry into Israel after arriving in Jordan due to visa-related issues.
According to him, the affected pilgrims were granted visas valid only for Jordan and were stopped at the border from crossing into Israel.
He said, “We received the complete visa list on Friday afternoon while preparing for the orientation and farewell the following day. We later realised that some pilgrims were issued visas only to stop in Jordan and were denied visas to Israel.
“If we had prior information, we would have duly informed them so they could decide whether to proceed and remain in Jordan or forfeit the journey.”
The Executive Secretary noted that visa denials were not peculiar to Nigeria, but said the challenge in this case was the absence of timely communication.
He added that arrangements had been made for the welfare of the affected pilgrims in Jordan, including accommodation, feeding, transportation and guided tours of holy sites within the country pending the return of the main contingent from Israel.
Bagu further disclosed that the Board had forwarded a list of 466 pilgrims to the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission for the second batch scheduled to depart on March 5, 2026, expressing optimism that not fewer than 350 pilgrims would eventually travel.
He said the date for the third batch was yet to be fixed, adding that preparations were ongoing to ensure a smooth exercise.