Nigeria records 14 pilgrim deaths during 2023 Hajj in Saudi Arabia
Story from Musa Sakinat Abubakar
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) recently disclosed that Nigeria has lost a total of 14 pilgrims in Saudi Arabia during the 2023 hajj operation.
Dr Usman Galadima, Chief of Operations and Head of the NAHCON National Medical Team, revealed this information during a meeting with stakeholders in Makkah. Out of the 14 deaths, four occurred during Arafat, six during the five-day Mashair (core Hajj period), and the remaining four in Mina, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
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Additionally, three cases of chickenpox were reported, resulting in the immediate relocation of affected pilgrims as a preventive measure. Two successful deliveries also took place during the hajj ritual period.
In light of these incidents, Galadima emphasized the importance of thorough pre-hajj medical screenings and the issuance of medical fitness certificates.
He further suggested discouraging elderly and severely ill pilgrims from participating in the symbolic devil stoning at Jamrat due to the rigorous nature of the activity.
The Head of Aviation at NAHCON, Alhaji Goni Sanda, announced that the transportation of pilgrims back to Nigeria would commence on July 4, following a strict first-in, first-out policy.
However, he advised that flight operations would be limited by Saudi authorities during the initial two weeks of evacuation due to high traffic and the concentration of aircraft at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
Moreover, Alhaji Abdullahi Hardawa, the Commissioner of Operations at NAHCON, expressed the commission’s commitment to enforce its luggage policy for the return journey.
He recalled last year’s breach, particularly concerning female pilgrims bringing excessive hand luggage to the airport, which posed risks to other passengers.
This year, such behavior is not tolerated, and state pilgrims boards are urged to inform their pilgrims about the policy to prevent inconveniences and delays at the airport.
Hardawa also advised pilgrims to comply with the 32kg luggage limit or use the cargo window to ensure the safety of their belongings.