Two Nigerian pilgrims taking part in the Hajj pilgrimage for this year have given up the ghost in Medina, Saudi Arabia.
The Executive Secretary of Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Board, Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, had revealed this in a statement on Sunday.
The deceased persons have been identified as Saliu Mohammed and Hajia Hawawu Mohammed.
According to reports, Saliu had died in an intensive care unit after suffering from an illness, while Hawawu died in what Saudi officials have termed an “unfortunate suicidal episode.”
This incident is coming in the midst a larger pilgrimage season for Nigerians, with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) reporting 14 deaths among pilgrims this year.
The cause of Saliu’s death remains unclear, though it highlights the potential health risks associated with the Hajj, for older pilgrims in particular.
What They’re Saying:
A statement released had read: “Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Board sends heartfelt commiserations to the families of two of our pilgrims who returned to their Lord in Madina, Saudi Arabia.
Saliu Mohammed, who arrived with Batch 3 of the state contingent, died in an intensive care unit of a public hospital in Madina after suddenly falling ill; while Hajia Hawawu Mohammed (Batch 9) also died following what Saudi authorities have investigated and found to be an unfortunate suicidal episode from the rooftop of her apartment in Madina.”
