It’s almost a natural occurrence to record cases of death of pilgrims from Nigeria during the annual Muslim Hajj in Saudi Arabia. The first to be reported at this year’s exercise is that of a pilgrim from Kebbi State who died in Mecca yesterday, Saturday, May 25. The pilgrim’s death occurred after a brief illness, according to report.
Aliyu Tanko, the Nigerian Makkah Office Coordinator, announced the pilgrim’s death in a condolence message on behalf of the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), Jalal Arabi.
A special supplication was made for the soul of the deceased, other pilgrims, and Nigeria. Kebbi State pilgrims were the first set of Nigerian intending pilgrims to arrive in Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj, with their inaugural airlift taking place on 15 May. The inaugural airlift was attended by dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima.
So far, 20,154 Nigerian pilgrims have been airlifted to Saudi Arabia in 48 flights, with approximately 65,000 expected to perform the 2024 Hajj.