Tragedy Strikes as Nigeria Mourns 11 Pilgrims’ Deaths in Saudi Arabia

iexclusivenews – As the Muslim world converges on the holy cities of Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, a somber mood has befallen the Nigerian community with the loss of eleven of its worshippers.

This year’s Hajj, marked by devotion and piety, has been tinged with sorrow as pilgrims from Kwara State, Kebbi State, and Lagos State have succumbed to unforeseen illnesses and tragic incidents.

Kwara State’s Heartache

The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board recently announced the passing of two more pilgrims, Salman Muhammad Alade and Ayishat Shuaib Ologele, who died after brief illnesses.

The Executive Secretary, Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for divine solace and forgiveness for the departed souls.

In a previous statement, Abdulkadir had reported the unfortunate demise of Hajia Hawawu Muhammad in what was described as a tragic incident in Madina.

Another pilgrim, Saliu Mohammed, also passed away in a Medina hospital’s intensive care unit after a sudden illness.

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Kebbi State’s Losses

The first reported deaths were from Kebbi State, where Hajiya Tawalkatu Busare Alako, affectionately known as Maman Biyu, passed away on May 25 in Makkah. Shortly after, Alhaji Muhammad Suleman also died in the sacred city.

The Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board mourned the loss of Abubakar Abdullahi from Argungu Local Government Area, marking another sorrowful event for the state’s pilgrims.

Lagos State’s Bereavement

The Lagos State pilgrim community felt the sting of loss with the death of 68-year-old Oloshogbo Isiaka Idris, who passed away on May 28 in Makkah.

He had just completed the tawaf, an essential rite of Umrah, at the Grand Mosque before his untimely passing.

A Community United in Grief

The series of unfortunate events leading up to this year’s Hajj, which begins on June 14, has united the Nigerian pilgrim community in grief.

The deaths have cast a shadow over the spiritual journey, reminding us of the fragility of life even as the faithful seek fulfillment in fulfilling their religious obligations.

As the Nigerian pilgrims continue their sacred rites, they carry with them the memories of those who set out on this spiritual journey but could not return.

The nation joins in prayer, hoping for strength for the families and eternal peace for the souls of the departed.

The Nigerian community’s resilience in the face of these trials is a testament to their faith and the unifying power of the Hajj pilgrimage.

As we report on these events, we extend our sympathies to the families and friends of the deceased and hope that their stories will be remembered as a poignant part of the 2024 Hajj narrative.