The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed the death of 15 Nigerian pilgrims, in the ongoing hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia.
Those who passed away during the spiritual exercise including a female pilgrim that committed suicide are pilgrims from Kwara, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina and Kebbi states.
Saudi Arabia authorities had ordered restriction of pilgrims movement for five hours on Monday preventing them from taking the risk of observing the pelting of devil, one of the rites at Jamurat owing to the intensity of the weather.
Besides, 17 others pilgrims from Nigeria suffered severe heatstroke at the holy sites as a result of the high temperature that triggered several casualties while 4 pilgrims with pregnancy were uncovered, of which 2 ended with miscarriage.
Although, the death toll recorded in 2024 is slightly higher, compared to data of similar incidence in 2023 that stood at 14, there is significant reduction in the cases of pregnant pilgrims discovered this year, compared to 75 cases recorded last year.
Head, National Medical Team, 2024 Hajj, Dr. Abubakar Ismaeel gave the account during a post Arafah stakeholders event organized by NAHCON to review general operations of the commission at the end of the spiritual exercise in Makkah.
Dr. Ismaeel who gave overview of medical team at Madina, Makkah as well as activities at the holy sites in Muna and Arafah, during the five days rituals, disclosed 2,856 Nigerians were offered medical consultation.
The head of NAHCON medical team disclosed that despite improved services rendered by the team in the outgoing exercise, he expressed concern over flagrant disregard of pilgrims to early warning and guide provided to prevent health complications.
Dr. Ismaeel therefore suggested more enforcement of health policy in the further exercise, among other necessities including thorough pre-Medical screening and issuance of valid certificate of fitness, should be mandatory especially to the elderly
In his further recommendations, Dr. Ismaeel wanted Nigerian Hajj mission to urged Saudi Arabia provides additional lavatories at Muna and Arafah, as well as isolation area for pilgrims with communicable diseases.