News

Hajj Deaths: FG May Bar Unfit Pilgrims From Travelling To Saudi Arabia

Published

2 years ago

July 6, 2023

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, has said the commission will ensure the enforcement of stringent medical screening for intending pilgrims.

This is as he said anyone found unfit for the pilgrimage would be denied the opportunity to participate in the religious rites henceforth.

“Certainly yes,” Hassan told our correspondent on Wednesday when asked if the commission will deny those found unfit from travelling to Saudi Arabia.

He said with the deaths recorded during this year’s Hajj, the commission has recommended stringent medical screening for all stakeholders, including state pilgrims’ welfare boards.

He also faulted reports that over 41,000 Nigerian pilgrims fell sick during the exercise in Saudi Arabia, saying some pilgrims were attended to more than twice by medical experts.

No fewer than 14 pilgrims died during this year’s Hajj. Giving the breakdown on Sunday in Makkah during the post-Arafat review session, the head of the Nigerian medical team for the pilgrimage, Dr Usman Galadima, said seven pilgrims died during the pre-Arafat period.

He listed the casualties to include: Plateau (1), Kaduna (2), Osun (2), Borno (1), Yobe (1), FCT (1), Benue (1) and Lagos (1), while private tour operators recorded three deaths.

Galadima said during the Muna-Arafat period, four pilgrims died at Arafat and two at Mina.

Also, The PUNCH reports on Wednesday that a 58-year-old female Kano Pilgrim, Hadiza Ismai’il, passed away while performing Hajj in Mecca.

But speaking with our correspondent on Wednesday from Saudi Arabia, the NAHCOM chairman said though it was unfortunate, death was inevitable.

He said while many things could be attributed to death by others, Muslims believes death is ordained by Allah irrespective of the circumstances.

“We are Muslims and we believe that death is inevitable. Death is not associated with sickness. As Muslim, we believe death is not about sickness.

“It (death) is about when you are called by Allah. Though we would have wanted a situation where nobody dies but we can’t question the Almighty,” Hassan told The PUNCH.

Speaking further, he clarified that the commission had in its team over 500 medical experts to cater to the pilgrims, adding that some figures being bandied in some reports were false.

He said, “It is misleading to state that 41,000 Nigerian pilgrims fell sick this year, this is because the figure represents only medical consultations i.e. the number of times a doctor consulted a patient.

“A single patient can attend a clinic multiple times if his or her condition requires multiple medical consultations. We expect over a hundred thousand consultations at the end of the operation.”

On plans to reduce mortality during a pilgrimage, Hassan said, “An effective pre-HAJJ medical screening has the potential to reduce mortality during hajj.

“Therefore, we have also recommended that a more stringent medical screening be conducted and a person certified fit to perform hajj before he or she is allowed to perform Hajj.

“NAHCON could take up the responsibility of enforcing such a decision to reduce interference by the State’s stakeholders.”
PUNCH

News

Okpebholo Announces ‘Massive’ Youth Recruitment Into Edo Civil Service

Published

7 hours ago

August 13, 2025

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has announced plans to recruit youths into the state civil service.

Speaking at the All Progressives Congress campaign rally in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, ahead of the August 16, 2025, Edo Central Senatorial by-election, the governor said it’s part of his administration’s effort to combat unemployment and accelerate Edo’s development.

He expressed his passion for his people and an unwavering commitment to building a better future.

Unveiling his new civil service recruitment plan, the governor disclosed that he had instructed the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, to begin the process without delay.

“We are going to massively employ our young people,” he affirmed. “Creating opportunities for our youths is the greatest investment we can make for the future of Edo.”

News

Edo Govt To Open Up Riverine Communities For Development — Deputy Gov

Published

7 hours ago

August 13, 2025

Editor

The deputy governor of Edo state, Hon Dennis Idahosa, has said that the Monday Okpebholo-led administration will open up riverine communities in the state for sustainable development.

According to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, Idahosa stated this at Inikorogha in Ovia South West Local Government Area of the state during the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally for Saturday’s Ovia Federal Constituency by-election.

He told the gathering that the new administration led by Okpebholo is keen to see development across the nook and cranny of the state.

He said all that was needed from the people was support and for them to be patient with the nine month old government that hit the ground running immediately after inauguration.

Idahosa described the Inikorogha community as a peace loving people that had always supported him politically and otherwise.

The deputy, who was adorned by the community in their traditional regalia said, “I have always seen myself as one of your own even before your acceptance of me with this traditional attire.”

“All I need from you is massive votes in support for the APC candidate and our governor on Saturday,” he appealed.

He assured the community that the APC candidate is going to continue with the good work he put up as the representative before his election as deputy governor.

“Our candidate, Omosede Igbinedion, is not a neophyte in the business of lawmaking. The party chose her because we are sure of her capacity to deliver.”

While addressing the people, the APC candidate promised to synergise with the deputy governor to bring laudable projects to Ovia federal constituency.

Simirlarly, a chieftain of the party in the community, Ambassador Okubo Robert promised delivery of 100 percent votes for the party.

He noted that the Inikorogha community had always supported the APC in every elections, adding that Saturday’s bye-election will not be any different.

News

How Terrorist Leader, Abubakar Abba, Was arrested – Niger Govt

Published

8 hours ago

August 13, 2025

Editor

The Niger State Government has revealed how terrorist leader, Abubakar Abba, was arrested by the Department of State Service in the state.

Abba was the leader of the Mahmuda terror groups, which pitched its tent and operated in Niger and Kwara states.

He was captured in Wawa, the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Governor Mohammed Bago’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Wednesday announced Abba’s arrest in a statement in which he said the terror kingpin had been moved to the nation’s capital, Abuja, for further investigation.

“Yes, it is true. I can confirm that the leader of Mahmuda, which is one of the most dangerous terror groups in West Africa, Abubakar Abba, has been arrested by the DSS.

“He was apprehended alive through an intelligence-led operation by the DSS.

“This is a huge victory for us as a people and as a government, and President Tinubu deserves commendation for this cheering news.

“Abba’s arrest demonstrates the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to truly ending insecurity and promoting the well-being of Nigerians,” Ibrahim said.

Mahmuda, an offshoot of the deadly Boko Haram terror group, was also believed to have ties with the Islamic State and was responsible for a series of attacks across Kwara and Niger states.

The terror group had reportedly launched two attacks in one day in Kwara state on June 3—first killing three villagers in the morning and then four more in the evening, and leaving the community in mourning.

Mahmuda’s foot soldiers, usually clad in camouflage and often riding on motorcycles, continued their rampage, with at least three villagers killed in a fresh assault.

This indicated the group’s sustained threat.

A recent large-scale attack in Kwara reportedly resulted in the killing of seven residents, while several others were abducted.

The terror group had also reportedly struck numerous villages near Kainji Lake National Park while a market in Kwara was also attacked, killing four Fulani men, a local guard, and a 19-year-old bystander.

Another attack killed 15 vigilantes in Kemanji village.

The Mahmuda terror group reportedly established bases in forested areas linking Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, and Kogi states.

It carried out activities including illegal mining, forced labour and extortion of herders and farmers.

Meanwhile, the Niger State governor has applauded the DSS operation as a strong demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians.