Some pilgrims from Plateau State who were denied entry into Israel are currently on a tour of Jordan cities.

The affected pilgrims, said to be five in number, are part of the first batch of 295 pilgrims from the state participating in the 2026 Holy Land pilgrimage.

Our correspondent gathered that the affected pilgrims received visas valid only for Jordan and were stopped at the border from crossing into Israel, the primary destination for Christians seeking sites linked to Jesus’ birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection.

Rev. Wanson Yusufu Bagu, Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, told journalists that the full visa list arrived before the orientation and farewell event.

“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 the option to either stay in Jordan or cancel their trip entirely.”

“The news came as a major disappointment for Christians, Israel is where Jesus was born, where he taught, performed miracles, and fulfilled what we read in the Bible. 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 noted that visa denials were not uncommon.

“Even wealthy individuals get denied visas for the UK or USA and often have to reapply sometimes multiple times before succeeding. It is a normal occurrence in international travel.”

According to Rev. Bagu, the Israeli embassy had already informed Jordanian authorities about the denials, saying “As a result, the five pilgrims are not stranded as Jordanian officials have arranged good hotel accommodation, meals for their entire stay, dedicated cars with drivers, and tour guides.

“They will visit significant biblical and historical sites in Jordan and remain engaged in meaningful activities until the rest of the group completes their Israel programme and return, “ he said.

He said the first batch was originally planned for 300 pilgrims, but 295 eventually travelled, adding that “Board has scheduled three batches in total, It forwarded 466 names to the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) for the second batch, with at least 350 expected to depart on March 5, 2026.

“The third batch will also include at least 350 pilgrims, though the date is yet to be confirmed. In total, the state requested approximately 1,100 slots, plus 13 carried over from the previous year, bringing the figure to nearly 1,120, “ he said.

Addressing rumours of inflated costs, Rev. Bagu clarified that the state has not increased its sponsorship amount.

He said “The rise In overall expenses is due to exchange rate fluctuations a situation previously experienced with the Muslim Hajj.”

The development comes amid the Middle East crisis triggered by US, Israeli attacks on Iran. (Weekend Trust)