The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has declared one pilgrim missing and confirmed the death of two others during the 2025 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia.

Director General of the Board, Alhaji Laminu Rabi’u Danbappa, disclosed this on Wednesday while presenting the 2025 Hajj operations report to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The missing pilgrim, identified as Sani Abubakar Danmaliki, from Kumbotso Local Government Area, was last seen in Madina before the Arafat rites. His whereabouts remain unknown.

Danbappa said the state government has raised a rescue alert with the Saudi authorities through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in an effort to locate him.

“This year’s Hajj was successful, with no disease outbreak. However, we lost two pilgrims, and one is still missing,” he said.

“All efforts through the embassy and Kano Hajj officials to find him have so far proved abortive, but we are still working to locate him dead or alive.”

He added that the board has set up a committee, including mental health experts, to screen pilgrims’ mental fitness before future exercises.

On preparations for the 2026 Hajj, Danbappa announced that Kano State has been allocated 5,684 slots and has made an initial deposit of N8.5 million as directed by NAHCON.

He urged intending pilgrims to complete their payments before the October 8, 2025, deadline set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj.

He also commended the state government for its support, including a stipend of SR250 given to each pilgrim and official to celebrate Sallah.

Earlier, the 2025 Amirul Hajj and Emir of Karaye, Alhaji Muhammad Mahraz, presented the detailed report and financial statement of the exercise, highlighting successes, challenges, and recommendations for improvement, particularly in transportation management by Saudi authorities.

Receiving the report, Governor Yusuf expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased pilgrims and pledged to intensify efforts to find the missing pilgrim. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of Kano pilgrims. (The Guardian)