Saudi authorities have confirmed two tragic incidents involving Nigerian pilgrims from Kwara State. Hajia Hawawu reportedly died by suicide in Madina, while another pilgrim, Saliu Mohammed, succumbed to a sudden illness. The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Board disclosed this information on Sunday through a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Abdulsalam AbdulKabir.
According to the statement, Hajia Hawawu’s death occurred when she fell from the rooftop of her apartment, an incident Saudi authorities have classified as a suicide. Meanwhile, Saliu Mohammed died in an intensive care unit at a public hospital in Madina after an unexpected illness.
The Pilgrims Board expressed deep sorrow over these tragic events and extended sincere condolences to the families of the deceased. The board emphasized the importance of accepting the decree of Allah in all matters, offering prayers for divine comfort and forgiveness for the departed souls.
These incidents bring the total number of Nigerian pilgrims who have died in Saudi Arabia ahead of this year’s Hajj to five. Earlier, two pilgrims from Kebbi State and one from Lagos State also passed away in Makkah. The Hajj is scheduled to commence on Friday.