Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Jalal Ahmad Arabi, has put the number of deaths recorded during the just concluded Hajj in Saudi Arabia at 30.
He disclosed this at a world press conference held in Abuja.
He, however, said not all the 30 Nigerians who died during the Hajj succumbed due to the harsh weather condition in Saudi Arabia.
“The 2024 Hajj was one of the harshest weather that has ever been experienced. We were informed well in advance and we tried as much as possible, together with other stakeholders, to provide necessary tools, and ensure that they were safe-guarded.
“We insisted that service providers provide pilgrims with umbrellas and new innovation fans to keep them safe.
“There was exposure to the harsh conditions and we tried the best that we could to provide succour for them. As we often say; one soul is as important as a million souls; you don’t discountenance this just because you lost a soul.
“We lost pilgrims but not all of them died from the heatwave, certainly not. We lost 30 pilgrims but only about four or five could be said to be as a result of heatwave.”