During the recent 2023 hajj operations in Saudi Arabia, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the unfortunate demise of 14 Nigerian pilgrims.
Usman Galadima, the Chief of Operations and Head of the NAHCON National Medical Team, shared this distressing information during a post-Arafat meeting with stakeholders in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Sunday.
Mr. Galadima revealed that seven pilgrims passed away prior to Arafat, six lost their lives during the core Hajj period of five days known as Mashair, and one more individual sadly died after Arafat.
“Among the reported deaths, six occurred during Mashair, four during Arafat, and the remaining two in Mina. Additionally, we had already lost seven pilgrims before Arafat, and I have just received news of another loss. This brings the total recorded deaths to 14,” explained the NAHCON official.
He further stated, “The mortality rate is comparable to that of 2019.”
During the core hajj period, the medical team also encountered three cases of chickenpox, and immediate measures were taken to relocate the affected pilgrims to prevent the spread of the disease.
Mr. Galadima shared that two deliveries took place in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, with one pregnant woman giving birth on the road and the other safely delivering in a clinic.
He stressed the importance of thorough pre-hajj medical screenings, along with the issuance of medical fitness certificates. He also emphasized the need to discourage elderly and critically ill pilgrims from participating in the physically demanding symbolic devil stoning at Jamrat.
Goni Sanda, NAHCON’s head of aviation, revealed that the repatriation of the Nigerian pilgrims back to their home country would commence on Tuesday.
Sanda noted that the policy of “first in, first out” would be strictly followed during the evacuation process.
He also mentioned that in the initial two weeks, air carriers would operate at reduced capacity due to the high volume of traffic and the significant number of aircraft involved in evacuating pilgrims from various nations. Moreover, since all planes will depart from the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, logistical considerations come into play.
(NAN)
