Nigeria has suffered additional losses in its Hajj contingent in Saudi Arabia, with two pilgrims from Kwara State passing away due to brief illnesses. Salman Muhammad Alade and Ayishat Shuaib Ologele were part of the Kwara State pilgrims until their untimely deaths.

Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Pilgrims Welfare Board, extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, praying for their comfort and forgiveness from Allah.

Earlier announcements from Abdulkadir included the tragic death of Hajia Hawawu Muhammad, who died in Madina in a distressing incident involving a fall from her apartment rooftop. Another pilgrim, Saliu Mohammed, also passed away in Madina after falling critically ill and receiving care in a hospital’s intensive care unit.

With these recent deaths, the tally of Nigerian pilgrims who have passed away in Saudi Arabia ahead of this year’s Hajj has now reached 11. This figure includes pilgrims from Kebbi State and Lagos State, among others, reflecting a sombre start to this year’s pilgrimage season.