Visa Denial Leaves Five Plateau Pilgrims in Jordan, Board Calls for Better Communication

Timescope news 

The Plateau State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board has issued a clarification following reports that five of its pilgrims were unable to enter Israel for the 2026 pilgrimage after being denied visas, leaving them stranded in Jordan.

In a statement released on February 26, 2026, the Board’s Executive Secretary, Rev. Yusuf Wanson Bagu, confirmed that the affected individuals were part of the first group that departed Nigeria on Sunday. They were unable to continue to Israel due to the visa rejections.

The Board stressed that visa issuance is the exclusive responsibility of the Israeli Embassy, and neither the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) nor the state board has any influence over the process.

“It is important to clarify that the issuance of visas to Israel is solely the prerogative of the Israeli embassy. The NCPC plays no role in this decision-making process,” the statement read.

However, the Board expressed frustration over not being notified about the visa denials sooner. This lack of communication, they said, prevented them from preparing the affected pilgrims for the possibility that their journey would end in Jordan.

“Had we been informed in advance, we could have reached out to the pilgrims promptly to let them know that their pilgrimage would terminate in Jordan,” the Board stated.

The five pilgrims are currently in Jordan, where the Board has arranged for their care until the rest of the group returns from Israel. Rev. Bagu confirmed that local tour operators have been engaged to accommodate them and organize visits to significant sites during their stay.

The Board emphasized that while it bears no responsibility for the visa denial, it is doing everything possible to support the stranded pilgrims, including providing accommodations and helping them navigate their next steps.

“We have intensified efforts in every possible way, whether through providing information, arranging accommodations, or helping them navigate their next steps,” the statement added.

Acknowledging the emotional toll on the affected pilgrims, the Board noted that such visa challenges are not unique to Plateau State or Nigeria, but are a common hurdle for travelers from many nations.

“The complexities of visa processing and international travel can affect anyone,” Rev. Bagu said.

Moving forward, the Board has called on the NCPC to strengthen its communication protocols to ensure that state boards are promptly informed of any visa issues. This, they believe, will allow for better preparation and support for pilgrims in the future.

“We urge the NCPC to improve its communication protocols to ensure that all pertinent information is relayed effectively. This will prevent such oversights in the future and better equip us to support our pilgrims,” Rev. Bagu said 

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to working with the NCPC and other stakeholders to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims receive the support they need to fulfill their spiritual obligations.