In a tragic turn of events, Nigeria has lost two more pilgrims from Kwara State currently participating in the ongoing Hajj operations in Saudi Arabia.
The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board announced on Thursday, June 13, that the deceased pilgrims, Salman Muhammad Alade and Ayishat Shuaib Ologele, succumbed to brief illnesses.
The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved pilgrims. May Allah grant them eternal rest and comfort their families,” Abdulkadir stated.
These recent deaths add to a growing list of Nigerian pilgrims who have died in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia this year, raising the toll to 11 ahead of the official commencement of the Hajj on Friday, June 14.
The Hajj pilgrimage, a significant religious journey for Muslims worldwide, has been marked by several unfortunate incidents this year for Nigerian pilgrims.
Prior to the deaths of Alade and Ologele, the Kwara State Pilgrims Welfare Board reported the passing of Hajia Hawawu Muhammad, who tragically committed suicide by jumping from the rooftop of her apartment in Madina.
Another pilgrim, Saliu Mohammed, also from Kwara State, died in an intensive care unit in Medina after an unexpected illness.
Further adding to the sorrow, the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board reported multiple deaths among its pilgrims.
Hajiya Tawalkatu Busare Alako, known as Maman Biyu, and Alhaji Muhammad Suleman died in Makkah on May 25, shortly after arriving from Madina.
Additionally, Abubakar Abdullahi from Gulma town in Argungu Local Government Area passed away in Makkah. Earlier, the board had announced the deaths of Tawakaltu Alamo and Muhammad Suleiman, both also from Kebbi State.
The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board reported the death of 68-year-old Oloshogbo Isiaka Idris on May 28. Idris died in Makkah after performing tawaf (circumambulation) at the Grand Mosque as part of Umrah (lesser Hajj).
These consecutive deaths have cast a somber mood over the Nigerian Muslim community, as they prepare for the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage.
The respective state pilgrim boards, along with the Nigerian government, are working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of the remaining pilgrims.
Abdulkadir reiterated the commitment of the Kwara State Pilgrims Welfare Board to support and care for their pilgrims.
He assured that every necessary measure is being taken to prevent further tragedies and provide necessary medical and psychological support to the pilgrims.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
