Eight pregnant women discovered during screening of intending pilgrims to Hajj from Bauchi State have been stopped from performing the 2016 exercise.

The State Deputy Amirul Hajj, who also doubles as the Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly, Hon Kawuwa Damina disclosed this while fielding questions from journalists in Bauchi.

According to him, the pregnant women were detected following series of tests conducted at government hospital and at the Hajj camp.

Damina said that 10 other women could not make the journey to Saudi Arabia as ofSaturday, saying that so far a total of 1,983 intending pilgrims out of the 2,520 from the state have been airlifted to the Holy Land.

He stated that some of the 10 intending pilgrims fell sick before their departure, while some arrived the airport late, saying that the latter would be allowed to go with the last flight.

The Speaker said “FromThursday18th toSaturday20th, 1,983 intending pilgrims have been airlifted to the Holy Land. They ought to be 2,000 that could have been airlifted but 17 are left behind due to some challenges.

“The 17 intending pilgrims that are left behind as ofSaturday, seven are pregnant women, while out of the other 10, some are sick and some of them came late.

“Those that came late will be allowed at the last flight, while the sick people will not be allowed to go.

“On what would happen to the money of those who could not go to Saudi Arabia, including the pregnant women, the Speaker stated for those of them who indicate interest to go next year would be allowed to go, adding that if they don’t want to go any longer, their money would be refunded to them.”

Speaking further, Hon Damina said 520 intending pilgrims are to be Airlifted to the Holy LandSunday, and Monday, which is the last flight, already the have been screen at the camp.

He said “Out of the 300 intending pilgrims that were screened to be airliftedSunday, one is discovered with nine weeks Pregnant at the last minute, adding that she has immediately returned home.”

“So they are 299 intending pilgrims that are going to Saudi Arabiaon Sunday out of the number 300, saying that total numbers of intending pilgrims as ofSundaythat are already in the Holy Land was 2282, out of the Total numbers of 2520.

“The 238 that are remaining are expected to be Airlifted on Monday been the last flight.”

(Independent)

•Photo shows Nigerian pilgrims boarding a flight to Saudi Arabia for the hajj.