Tragedy struck during the 2025 Hajj exercise in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, as two Nigerian pilgrims lost their lives. The latest casualty is Hajiya Jamila Muhammad from Plateau State, who succumbed to complications from diabetes. This sad news was confirmed by the Executive Secretary of the Muslim state Pilgrims Welfare board, Mr. Daiyabu Dauda, in a statement released to the press in Jos on Tuesday.
According to Mr. Dauda, Hajiya Jamila Muhammad was rushed to the King Abdul’aziz Hospital in Makkah as soon as her condition began to deteriorate. Despite receiving immediate medical attention, she unfortunately passed away, with the hospital confirming that her death was due to complications from diabetes. This loss is a stark reminder of the risks and challenges that pilgrims face during the Hajj, a sacred journey that attracts millions of Muslims from around the world.
In a similar incident, a 75-year-old female pilgrim from Edo State, Mrs. Danzumi Adizatu, also lost her life during the ongoing Hajj exercise. Mrs. Adizatu, a native of Jattu Uzairue in the Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, had completed the Tawaaf ritual, a critical component of the Hajj, before falling ill. She was admitted to the King Fahad General Hospital in Makkah on Sunday and sadly passed away the following day.
The Chairman of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Musah Uduimoh, confirmed the news and expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased. He reassured the public that the board is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all pilgrims, a crucial aspect of the Hajj experience. According to Islamic tradition, Mrs. Adizatu was buried in Makkah on the same day, and her family in Jattu Uzairue has been informed.
These tragic losses serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the health and well-being of pilgrims during the Hajj. As the global Muslim community comes together to perform this sacred ritual, the safety and security of all participants remain a top concern. The Nigerian pilgrims’ boards and relevant authorities are working tirelessly to ensure that all necessary measures are in place to prevent such incidents and provide support to those in need.
