Breaking: Tragedy as Nigerian Pilgrim Dies in Saudi Arabia, FG Speaks Out
- 73-year-old Nigerian pilgrim dies from cardiac arrest shortly after arriving for Hajj 2026
- NAHCON chairman offers condolences and government support to the deceased's family
- Saudi Arabia reduces Nigeria's pilgrim quota, impacting Zamfara state applicants
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A Nigerian pilgrim, Mallama Aishatu Muhammadu, has died in Saudi Arabia shortly after arriving for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
The 73-year-old woman, who hailed from Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa state, reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest on Saturday, May 9, while travelling from Jeddah to the holy city of Madinah.
Source: Getty Images
NAHCON chairman condoles family
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Ismail Abba Yusuf, extended the federal government’s condolences to the deceased’s family, Daily Trust reported.
Ambassador Yusuf, during a telephone conversation with the deceased’s brother, Umaru Jauro Koko, prayed for the repose of her soul.
He prayed that Almighty Allah grant Mallama Aishatu “Aljannatul Firdaus” and also give her family the strength to cope with the loss.
FG promises support for family
The NAHCON chairman assured the bereaved family that the government would support efforts to return the deceased’s personal belongings safely to Nigeria.
According to him, items including her Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) and death certificate would be handed over through the Adamawa State Pilgrims Welfare Commission.
Deceased survived by children and grandchildren
The late pilgrim is survived by children, grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
Among her surviving relatives is Abdullahi Bello, who serves as Divisional Officer of the Ganye Division of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Hajj 2026: Saudi Authorities cut Nigeria pilgrims quota
Previously, Legit.ng reported that Saudi Arabia has trimmed Nigeria’s allocation for the 2026 Hajj, a move that has forced authorities in Zamfara state to scale back their list of intending pilgrims.
The Zamfara Hajj Commission confirmed that 456 applicants will no longer take part in this year’s pilgrimage following the reduction.
Source: Legit.ng
