By ABUBAKAR AKOTE YABAGI

A 43-year-old pilgrim from Niger, Alhaji Salisu Ibrahim, has been confirmed dead in Makkah after performing the Hajj rites.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO), Niger Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Jibrin Usman-Kodo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday that Ibrahim, who hailed from Kontagora LGA, died from injuries sustained in a road crash in Makkah.

He said the deceased was involved in the crash while returning from the Holy Mosque.

According to the PRO, the late pilgrim died on Saturday, June 13, and was buried in Makkah in accordance with Islamic rites and the sanctity of the holy land.

“The Board expresses deep sorrow over this tragic loss and extends heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the people of Kontagora Local Government Area, and the entire Muslim Ummah,” he said.

Usman-Kodo said a total of 343 pilgrims from the state had been transported back in the first batch, while the second batch of 345 was expected to arrive on Monday, June 15.

He said the second batch comprises pilgrims drawn from Kontagora, Rijau, Mashegu and Chanchaga LGAs.

“The second batch of 345 returning pilgrims from Niger has arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, where they are undergoing screening and boarding formalities ahead of their return journey home,” he said. (NAN)

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