3 Nigerian Pilgrims Die In Saudi Arabia

Three Nigerians in Saudi Arabia for the 2016 Hajj exercise have been confirmed dead
– Two of the pilgrims die in Madinah and one in Makkah
– One of the affected pilgrims died in his sleep

Three Nigerians out of the 76,000 pilgrims from Nigeria in Saudi Arabia for the 2016 Hajj exercise have been confirmed dead by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Nigerian Tribune reports. In a statement by Dr Ibrahim Kana, head of the medical team, it was disclosed that two of the pilgrims died in Madinah and one in Makkah.

Speaking at a meeting of stakeholders during a pre Arafat meeting held at Makkah, Kana said one of the affected pilgrims died in his sleep, as his team is still working to know the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two others. Kana however disclosed that medical personnel had been distributed to all Nigerian camps to ensure prompt response to the medical needs of Nigerians. He noted that NAHCON had procured three new ambulances and sufficient drugs to take care of Nigerian pilgrims during the Arafat period, adding that pilgrims should not wander about on sunny afternoon because of heat stroke in Makkah and Madinah.

Over three million pilgrims will perform this year’s Hajj which starts with movement to Muna today, Arafat and Muzdalifa on Sunday, September 11 and throwing stones at the devil (Jamrah) on Monday, September 12.