Hajj 2017: Two Nigerian pilgrims die in Saudi Arabia

Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board said on Thursday that two pilgrims from the state have died during the 2017 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

Alhaji Nuhu Badamasi, the Board’s Public Relations Officer, according to News Agency of Nigeria, said that the deceased who were men died in Makkah after performing their Hajj rites at the Ararat.

“The two pilgrims who lost their lives during this year’s Hajj died in Makkah after they performed the most significant Hajj rites, that is staying at the Arafat,” he said.

Badamasi said the deceased who were from Dala and Doguwa local government areas, had since been buried in Makkah in accordance with the Islamic rites.

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On preparations for the transportation of the state pilgrims back to Nigeria, Badamasi said the exercise would commence on Sept. 15.

He said most of the pilgrims had visited Madinah while the few that had not, were now preparing to go from Makkah.

“Almost all our pilgrims have visited Madinah with the exception of about 15 officials who are now preparing to visit the Holy city from where they will be transported back home,” the spokesman added.

No fewer than 5,500 pilgrims from the state performed the Hajj.

Meanwhile, Abdullahi Mohammed, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), initally announced the passage of four pilgrims on Tuesday, August 29, in Makkah. But shortly after his speech, an official on the medical team of NAHCON announced the passage of another pilgrim from Kwara.