•Pilgrims move around the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest shrine in Mecca
Two Nigerian female pilgrims from Sokoto State have died in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, after the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The Deputy Amirul Hajj and Grand Khadi of Sokoto State, Alhaji Sodangi Acida, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Head of Information and Communications of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Faruku Umar.
The deceased were identified as Ladi Umar from Bodinga Local Government Area and Hadiza Umar from Yabo Local Government Area, reports Daily Trust.
Acida said two other female pilgrims involved in the same accident are currently receiving treatment at a Saudi hospital, with one being treated for a fracture and the other for an arm dislocation.
He conveyed the condolences of the Sokoto State government to the families of the deceased and prayed for Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them Aljannatul Firdaus.
The Deputy Amirul Hajj said the first batch of Sokoto pilgrims is scheduled to depart Saudi Arabia for Nigeria on June 14, adding that the return flights would be based on the principle of “first to arrive, first to depart.”
He also urged pilgrims to comply with the approved luggage regulations, stressing that each pilgrim must ensure their luggage does not exceed the stipulated 32-kilogram limit.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the agency, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar JJ, expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmad Aliyu for his support towards the welfare of Sokoto pilgrims throughout the Hajj exercise.
He also commended members of the state delegation, the agency’s board and staff, and the pilgrims for their cooperation and support, which contributed to the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj operation.
