Tragedy struck this year’s Hajj pilgrimage as two Nigerian women passed away in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards confirmed the heartbreaking news, leaving families and fellow pilgrims in mourning.
Hajiya Jamila Muhammad from Plateau State succumbed to diabetes complications at King Abdul’aziz Hospital on Monday. Plateau State’s Pilgrims Welfare Board Executive Secretary, Mr. Daiyabu Dauda, shared the painful details in Jos. He explained how medical teams rushed her to hospital when symptoms appeared, but despite their efforts, she couldn’t be saved. Doctors confirmed diabetes caused her untimely death, and she received burial rites in Mecca according to Islamic tradition.
Meanwhile, Edo State lost 75-year-old pilgrim Mrs. Danzatu Adizatu at King Fahad General Hospital.
The Jattu Uzairue native fell ill after completing the Tawaaf ritual on Sunday.
Although hospitalized immediately, she passed away the next day.
Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board Chairman Mallam Musah Muhammad Uduimoh broke the sad news through a WhatsApp voice note on Tuesday. Following Islamic customs, authorities buried Mrs. Adizatu in Makkah that evening while notifying her grieving family back home.
These devastating losses underscore the physical demands of Hajj, especially for elderly pilgrims or those with existing health conditions. Both women now rest eternally in Islam’s holiest city, a sacred honor for pilgrims who die during this spiritual journey.
State pilgrim boards have expressed profound sympathy to the bereaved families while reminding remaining pilgrims to monitor their health closely. Officials emphasize the importance of immediate medical reporting for any concerning symptoms, hoping to prevent further tragedies during this year’s pilgrimage season. The Muslim community nationwide joins in prayer for the departed souls and their heartbroken loved ones during this difficult time.
Medical teams accompanying Nigerian pilgrim contingents have intensified health monitoring following these incidents. They’re conducting additional check-ups, particularly for older pilgrims and those with chronic conditions. Pilgrimage officials stress that while spiritual preparation remains vital, physical wellbeing equally matters for completing Hajj safely.
The Nigerian Hajj Commission has initiated talks with Saudi health authorities about enhancing medical support systems. These discussions aim to improve emergency response protocols and hospital coordination to better protect pilgrims’ lives. Meanwhile, back home, community leaders are comforting the grieving families while making arrangements to receive the pilgrims’ personal belongings.
These deaths mark another somber chapter in Hajj history, reminding all faithful of life’s fragility even during sacred journeys. As investigation continues into the exact circumstances surrounding both cases, the Muslim community finds solace knowing both women died while fulfilling their religious obligations. Their passing has sparked conversations about improving pre-Hajj health screenings and on-ground medical support for future pilgrimages.