In a statement released by Saudi authorities, it was confirmed that two Nigerian pilgrims lost their lives while in Madina. One of the pilgrims, Hajia Hawawu from Kwara State, was reported to have taken her own life, a tragic incident that has shocked and saddened many. The second pilgrim, Saliu Mohammed, passed away due to sudden illness.
The information was disclosed by the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Board in a statement issued on Sunday, signed by its Executive Secretary Abdulsalam AbdulKabir.
It was revealed that Hajia Hawawu had fallen from the rooftop of her apartment, in an incident Saudi authorities labeled as a “suicidal episode.” Meanwhile, Saliu Mohammed’s passing was attributed to sudden illness, with the pilgrim sadly succumbing to his condition in the intensive care unit of a public hospital in Madina.
Amidst the profound sense of loss felt by the Nigerian Muslim community, the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Board has issued a statement extending its deepest sympathies to the families of the two pilgrims. The board underscored the importance of accepting Allah’s will in all matters and extended prayers for divine solace and mercy for the departed souls, offering their condolences as a tribute to those left behind.
While the joyous anticipation of Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, typically brings spiritual fulfillment to millions of Muslims worldwide, this year’s pilgrimage has been marked by a series of tragic incidents for Nigerian pilgrims. In addition to the untimely deaths of Hajia Hawawu and Saliu Mohammed in Madina, three other Nigerian pilgrims—two from Kebbi State and one from Lagos State—have also passed away in Makkah.
