Hajj: Nigerian pilgrims’ death toll hits 7

Two more Nigerian pilgrims have died in Saudi Arabia, bringing the number of deaths to seven, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Abdullahi Mukhtar has said.

This is just as millions of pilgrims prayed at the mount Arafat Thursday to mark the climax of this year’s hajj.

Mukhtar, who gave the update to journalists in Saudi Arabia yesterday, said Nigerian pilgrims had a hitch-free movement to the Arafat.

Mukhtar said “We have recoded two additional deaths, bringing the number to seven and this is lower than in previous years at this time.”

Daily Trust reporter in Arafat observed that movement of Nigerian pilgrims from Muna to Arafat commenced before dawn and was completed before noon.

Our reporter went round some tents and found medical teams attending to some pilgrims.

Head of the medical team, Dr Ibrahim Kana said some pilgrims were conveyed to Arafat in ambulances after being treated for different ailments.

So far, there has been no outbreak of epidemic during the hajj as pilgrims are set for the symbolic stoning of the devil Friday morning.

From Arafat pilgrims moved to Muzdhalifa, where they passed the night.

At the mount Arafat, Daily Trust reporter observed that several pilgrims prayed for peace in the country as well as further recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Meanwhile, a national prayer was also said for Nigeria and the president. The prayers were rendered in English, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Fulfulde.