Hajj 2017: Nigeria Loses 14 More Pilgrims

The number of Nigerian pilgrims who have lost their lives during this year’s Islamic pilgrimage has risen to 14.

This was announced by Ibrahim Kana, head of National Medical Team, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON over the weekend.

Kana, who spoke after a management meeting in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, also announced that one of its staff, who died as a result of an illness, was among the victims.

“Total mortality as at September 4, is 14, while, seven were pre-Arafat with two pilgrims from Kaduna and one each from Yobe, Kogi; Kebbi; Katsina and the FCT; seven were post-Arafat, with two pilgrims from Kano (one international); and one each from Osun, FCT, Zamfara, Katsina and one NAHCON legal adviser,” Mr. Kana said.

The head of the medical team also said among the post-Arafat deaths, two occurred in Mina.

He said Muna/Arafat outing in this year’s hajj “was welcomed by scorching heat with temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius, thereby causing a lot of hardship on Nigerians and pilgrims in general.

“That resulted in early exhaustion, dehydration and even some developing heat stroke.”

He said the Nigerian medical team was on hand to offer medical and emergency ambulance services to the pilgrims.

“This led to reduction of suffering and prompt evacuation and referral to nearby hospitals in Arafat, Muzdalifa and Muna.

“Several cardiac resuscitation measures were conducted which saved some lives.

“We are also grateful that no outbreak of any disease was recorded in the Nigerian tents, even though the medical team was in hand providing services through the 25 clinics established inside many state tents. Over 6000 consultations were carried out,” he said.