How seven Nigerian pilgrims died during 2025 Hajj in Saudi Arabia

The 2025 Hajj pilgrimage ended in sorrow for many Nigerian families as seven pilgrims from different states were confirmed dead in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Despite the spiritual significance of Hajj — a deeply revered pillar of Islam — it became a journey of heartbreak for these individuals and their loved ones.

Authorities attributed the deaths mostly to health complications and underlying medical conditions, especially among the elderly.

Names and circumstances of the deaths

The first reported death was that of Alhaji Sulaimon Hamzat, a pilgrim from Oyo State.

He was the Aare Musulumi of the Owala Muslim Community. He passed away on May 17, 2025, shortly after arriving in the Kingdom.

From Abia State, Alhaji Saleh, Chairman of the Lokpanta Cattle Market, died in Makkah on the night of May 26, 2025.

Adizatu Dazumi, aged 75, from Jattu Uzairue in Edo State, died on May 26 after falling ill post-Tawaf. She was admitted to King Fahad General Hospital, Makkah, and passed away the next day.

Confirming her death, Musah Uduimoh, Chairman of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, stated she was buried in accordance with Islamic rites in Makkah.

Another tragic case involved Hajiya Jamila Muhammad, a pilgrim from Plateau State, who died at King Abdul’aziz Hospital in Makkah due to complications from diabetes.

Just before the commencement of the major hajj rites, Shu’aibu Jibrin, a pilgrim from Kano State, died on June 3, 2025.

He initially responded well to treatment but later relapsed.

He suffered from ulcers and hypertension, but doctors confirmed his cause of death was cardiac arrest.

One additional pilgrim died on the plains of Arafat, a sacred location visited during the climax of the hajj. His death was described as natural by NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, dismissing heatwave speculation.

An official from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), speaking anonymously, confirmed that all seven deceased were over 60 years old.

He blamed underlying illnesses and lack of adherence to medical screening recommendations.

“NAHCON is not in charge of the health screening,” the official said. “We’ve urged that those with severe health conditions should not embark on the hajj.”

Yet, the warning is often ignored. He cited a case where a woman gave birth in the early stages of the hajj, indicating she was heavily pregnant before leaving Nigeria.

Following over 1,000 deaths during the 2024 hajj, mostly due to heatwaves, Saudi authorities implemented strict measures for 2025.

These included:

• Suspension of short-term visas for 14 countries including Nigeria.
• Ban on children under 12 from participating in this year’s pilgrimage.

Fines of up to 20,000 riyals (₦10 million) for those entering Makkah without proper Hajj permits.

Despite these, weather conditions remained harsh, and elderly pilgrims — often with chronic illnesses — were especially vulnerable.

In 2024, 30 Nigerian pilgrims died, with four deaths directly linked to the heatwave.

This year, while official figures are still pending, the toll is significantly lower, in part due to stricter control by both NAHCON and Saudi authorities.

As the 2025 hajj processions came to an end, many Nigerians returned with gratitude, while some families received news that left their hearts shattered.

The pilgrimage to Makkah remains a spiritual dream for many, but it also poses immense physical strain, especially for the elderly and those with health challenges.

NAHCON has reiterated the need for improved health screening, warning that spiritual desire must not overshadow physical preparedness.

For the seven who died, their journey ended in the holy land — a passing many Muslims consider honourable, even desirable.

Yet, their deaths serve as a sober reminder: hajj, while sacred, must be approached with spiritual devotion and medical wisdom.

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