2023 Hajj: 6 Nigerian Pilgrims Perish, 30 Grapple With Mental Challenges

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has confirmed the deaths of six Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2023 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

The confirmation was made by Usman Galadima, the Head of the NAHCON 2023 Hajj medical team, during a commission meeting held in Makkah, Saudi Arabia on Saturday, June 24, 2023.

Mr. Galadima reported that among the deceased, two were from Osun State, two were from Kaduna State, and one was from Plateau State.

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Additionally, Galadima disclosed that the medical team diagnosed 30 pilgrims with mental challenges.

According to him, these individuals are currently receiving treatment and are expected to perform Hajj. He stated, “We have been managing them in our facilities. We have about four psychiatrists in the team. We have been managing them and all of them would likely perform hajj because they are a bit stable now.”

The 2023 Hajj clinic also reported two miscarriages and one successful delivery of a baby.

In light of the incidents, Mr. Galadima called for improvements in pre-Hajj medical screenings for intending pilgrims.

He emphasized the need to restrict individuals who are deemed “not fit to travel” as a measure to address the mortality rate among pilgrims.

Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and is mandatory for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey.

The pilgrimage attracts millions of Muslims from around the world, and the health and safety of the participants are paramount concerns for the organizing bodies.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria will continue to monitor the situation and provide necessary support to Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.