Hajj stampede: Ganduje, emir weeps over deceased pilgrims

Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi ll, wept over Nigerian pilgrims who died in the Saudi Arabia stampede.

The two leaders wept during a special prayer session organized to usher in the New Islamic year and for the repose of the pilgrims souls.

The emir said: “So far, 173 Nigerians have been confirmed dead while the whereabouts of about 130 are still unknown. However, through the use of DNA samples in due course, some of our people could still be identified. Therefore, to be precise, over 300 Nigerians are assumed dead.”

Presiding over the prayers at the Kano Central Mosque, Emir Sanusi urged the federal government to investigate the tragedy.

He said information could be gathered from those who survived the incident. He also challenged Islamic scholars to come up with Fatwa that would resolve issues associated with stoning of the Jamaraat.

He further urged the federal government to discuss with Saudi authorities the issue of stationing Nigerian pilgrims at the boundary of Mina and Musdalifah during pilgrimage.

The emir called on the state government to direct its Pilgrims Welfare Board to commence preparation to secure accommodation close to the Holy Mosque for its pilgrims as soon as possible.

In his remarks, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who could not hold back his tears prayed Allah to allow peace to reign in the state and the nation at large.

The prayer session was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, imams, Islamic scholars and members of the Kano business community.