Two female pilgrims from Sokoto State have died in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, following an accident that occurred after the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
The tragic incident was confirmed by the Deputy Amirul Hajj and Grand Khadi of Sokoto State, Alhaji Sodangi Acida, in a statement issued through the Head of Information and Communications of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Faruku Umar.
The deceased were identified as Ladi Umar from Bodinga Local Government Area and Hadiza Umar from Yabo Local Government Area.
According to Acida, two other female pilgrims involved in the same accident survived and are currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Saudi Arabia. He disclosed that one of the injured pilgrims sustained a fracture, while the other is being treated for a dislocated arm.
The Deputy Amirul Hajj extended the condolences of the Sokoto State Government to the families of the deceased and prayed for Allah’s mercy upon them. He also prayed that they be granted Aljannatul Firdaus.
Speaking on the return journey of pilgrims, Acida announced that the first batch of Sokoto pilgrims is scheduled to depart Saudi Arabia for Nigeria on June 14. He explained that the return flights would be conducted based on the “first to arrive, first to depart” principle.
He urged all pilgrims to comply with approved luggage regulations and ensure that their baggage does not exceed the stipulated 32-kilogram limit before departure.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar JJ, commended Governor Ahmad Aliyu for his commitment to the welfare of pilgrims from the state throughout the Hajj exercise.
He also praised members of the state delegation, the agency’s management and staff, as well as the pilgrims themselves, for their cooperation and support, which he said contributed significantly to the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj operation.
The agency added that arrangements were being finalized to ensure the smooth and orderly return of all Sokoto pilgrims from Saudi Arabia in accordance with the approved flight schedule.
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