2024 Hajj: Third Kebbi pilgrim dies in Makkah as doctors warn against heat wave
The Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced the death of another pilgrim from the state in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This brings to three, the number of pilgrims from Kebbi State who have died in Saudi Arabia since the commencement of this year’s Hajj. The state Hajj Media Team, in a statement, noted […]
The Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced the death of another pilgrim from the state in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This brings to three, the number of pilgrims from Kebbi State who have died in Saudi Arabia since the commencement of this year’s Hajj.
The state Hajj Media Team, in a statement, noted that the chairman of the State Pilgrim Agency, Alhaji Farouk Aliyu-Enabo, announced on Sunday that the pilgrim, Abubakar Abdullahi from Gulma in Argungu Local Government Area, died after a brief illness.
The statement added that Governor Nasir Idris expressed shock over the death and prayed to the Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings and grant him Jannatul Firdaus.
- Community petitions LG chair over attacks, tax demands
- Kaduna approves temporary locations for ram selling
It added that the deceased had since been buried according to Islamic rites after his funeral prayer at Masjid Al-Haram (Ka’aba).
Meanwhile, medical experts have issued a cautionary advisory to Borno pilgrims, urging them to take precautionary measures against the harsh heat wave expected during the Hajj ritual in Makkah.
Dr Zara Mairam Lawan, head of the Borno medical team, stressed the importance of minimising direct exposure to sunlight and staying hydrated to mitigate the adverse effects of the scorching weather conditions.
Speaking from Makkah on Monday, Dr Lawan underscored the potential health risks posed by the extreme heat, particularly for pilgrims with pre-existing medical conditions.
Over the past fortnight, the medical team has been actively delivering essential health care services to more than 300 pilgrims in the revered cities of Madina and Makkah.
“Our medical team has been addressing various health issues encountered by pilgrims, ranging from general exhaustion, colds, body aches, to cases of malaria,” she disclosed.
Dr Zara highlighted instances where pilgrims were diagnosed with chronic ailments, such as hypertension and diabetes, and cited specific cases of individuals requiring urgent medical attention, including one pilgrim hospitalised in Madina due to heart failure and another with sickle cell anemia.
However, she reassured that both patients were receiving treatment in Makkah and responding positively to medical interventions.
“We have stocked up on emergency medications provided by the State Pilgrims Board to address minor health complaints among pilgrims,” she said.
She also disclosed the establishment of the first medical outpost by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) catering for pilgrims from Borno and neighbouring states like Yobe, Taraba and Abuja.