Nigeria Loses 30 Pilgrims in Harsh Hajj Weather
In a somber briefing, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Mallam Jalal Arabi, revealed that at least 30 Nigerian pilgrims lost their lives during the recent hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The pilgrims succumbed to the extreme heat wave that hit the region during the exercise.
According to Arabi, four of the deceased were directly affected by the heat wave, while the remaining 26 pilgrims died due to various reasons. Despite the challenges, the NAHCON boss emphasized that the commission took necessary precautions to safeguard the lives of the pilgrims.
“We provided safety kits, including umbrellas and fans, to ensure their safety,” Arabi said. “We also informed them well in advance about the harsh weather conditions.”
The hajj pilgrimage was also marred by the increment in hajj fares, which saw pilgrims pay as much as N8m. However, President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a N90bn subsidy helped alleviate the financial burden on the pilgrims.
The subsidy was distributed among the stakeholders involved in the hajj exercise, with each pilgrim receiving N1,637,369.87, except for those under the Hajj Savings Scheme who received more. The remaining balance was paid by registered intending pilgrims, while new registrants were exempted from the government’s intervention.
The NAHCON chairman assured that the hajj subsidy was utilized transparently and promised to improve the processes to ensure equitable access to facilities and services for future pilgrims.
The loss of 30 lives is a sobering reminder of the importance of preparation and safety measures during international pilgrimages. As the world mourns the loss of these lives, it is essential to learn from the experiences and work towards creating a safer and more accessible environment for future pilgrims.
