The three missing Nigerian pilgrims from Kebbi State participating in this year’s Hajj have been rescued by state government officials in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
These pilgrims were sponsored by the Kebbi State government to perform the 2024 Hajj and to provide assistance where needed.
The development was confirmed by Malam Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.
Nasir Idris, Executive Director of the Women’s Right Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), Kebbi State branch, confirmed the rescue of a woman from Kamba Local Government Area. The woman had lost her way and ended up behind the Al-Masjid Al-Haram (Kaaba), leading her to a different area.
“As Kebbi State Government officials, we intervened and redirected her back home using a taxi service,” he said.
Idris explained that state officials often assist with translation and act as intermediaries due to language barriers, offering useful suggestions to committees to ensure the success of the Hajj exercise.
The officials’ activities are not limited to Kebbi State pilgrims alone; they provide assistance to all Nigerian pilgrims in need.
“Recently, we rescued two women from Bauchi State who missed their way to their hotel. The quick intervention of Kebbi State officials helped them find their way back,” he added.
Idris emphasized that the humanitarian services provided by the officials would continue throughout the Hajj and called for more support and cooperation from pilgrims to ensure a successful operation.
He advised pilgrims to always move in groups to avoid getting lost.
“They should be cautious in spending their basic travel allowance and routinely seek guidance from clerics on proper Hajj rituals to perform an acceptable Hajj,” he said.