The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Board announced on Sunday that a female pilgrim from Nigeria has committed suicide in Madina.
According to Saudi Arabian authorities, the incident involved a pilgrim named Hajia Hawawu who reportedly jumped from the rooftop of her apartment.
The tragic news was confirmed by Abdulsalam AbdulKabir, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Board, in a press release.
AbdulKabir also disclosed that another pilgrim from the state, Saliu Mohammed, passed away in Madina.
According to the press release, Saliu Mohammed fell ill suddenly and was admitted to the intensive care unit of a public hospital in Madina, where he later died.
Both deaths have been described as “sad events” by the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Board, which expressed deep regret but submitted to the divine will of Allah.
“Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Board sends heartfelt commiserations to the families of two of our pilgrims who returned to their Lord in Madina, Saudi Arabia,” the statement read.
The board extended its profound condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for their comfort and for the forgiveness of the deceased by Allah.
The deaths of Hajia Hawawu and Saliu Mohammed have added to the growing list of Nigerian pilgrims who have died in Saudi Arabia ahead of this year’s Hajj, which is set to begin on Friday.
Earlier, two pilgrims from Kebbi State also passed away. Hajiya Tawalkatu Busare Alako, popularly known as Maman Biyu, died on May 25 in Makkah shortly after arriving from Madina.
Barely 24 hours later, Alhaji Muhammad Suleman also died in Makkah.
Additionally, on May 28, a Lagos State pilgrim, 68-year-old Oloshogbo Isiaka Idris, died in Makkah after performing tawaf (circumambulation) at the Grand Mosque as part of the Umrah (lesser Hajj).
In response to these tragic events, the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Board reiterated its submission to the ultimate knowledge and decree of Allah in all affairs.
“The board deeply regrets these sad events but submits totally to the decree and ultimate knowledge of Allah in all affairs,” the statement emphasized.
The board also called for prayers for the souls of the deceased and for strength and comfort for their families during this difficult time.
As preparations for the Hajj continue, the recent spate of deaths has cast a shadow over the pilgrimage, prompting calls for heightened attention to the welfare and health of pilgrims.
The Saudi authorities, along with Nigerian officials, are expected to take additional measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all pilgrims during this holy period.
The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Board assured the public that they are closely monitoring the situation and will provide necessary support to the families affected by these tragedies.
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