Two female pilgrims from Sokoto State have died in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, following the conclusion of the 2026 Hajj exercise, with two others hospitalised after the same incident.
The Deputy Amirul Hajj and Grand Khadi of Sokoto State, Alhaji Sodangi Acida, confirmed the deaths in a statement released by the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency’s Head of Information and Communications, Faruku Umar.
The deceased were identified as Ladi Umar from Bodinga Local Government Area and Hadiza Umar from Yabo Local Government Area.
Acida said two other female pilgrims involved in the same accident were receiving hospital treatment in Saudi Arabia — one for a fracture and the other for an arm dislocation.
He extended the condolences of the Sokoto State Government to the families of the deceased and prayed for Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them Aljannatul Firdaus.
On the return schedule, Acida disclosed that the first batch of Sokoto pilgrims would depart Saudi Arabia for Nigeria on June 14, with the return journey to follow a first-in, first-out arrangement. He urged all pilgrims to comply strictly with the approved 32-kilogram luggage limit ahead of their return flights.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar JJ, expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmad Aliyu for his support throughout the Hajj exercise. He also commended members of the state delegation, the agency’s board and staff, and the pilgrims for their cooperation, noting that their collective efforts ensured the smooth conduct of the 2026 Hajj operation.
The agency said arrangements were ongoing to facilitate the orderly return of Sokoto pilgrims in line with the approved flight schedule.
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