Nigerian Pilgrim Reportedly Commits Suicide; Another Dies in Madina

In a strange turn of events, a Nigerian pilgrim has been reportedly to have committed suicide at the ongoing Hajj exercise.

Saudi authorities while confirming the incident said the pilgrim who was from from Kwara State, Hajia Hawawu, died by suicide in Madina, and another pilgrim, Saliu Mohammed, died of sudden illness.

This was disclosed by the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Board on Sunday in a statement signed by its Executive Secretary Abdulsalam AbdulKabir.

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According to the release, Hajia Hawawu fell off the rooftop of her apartment in what Saudi authorities described as “an unfortunate suicidal episode.” Saliu Mohammed passed away in an intensive care unit at a public hospital in Madina after falling ill unexpectedly.

The board expressed profound regret over these “sad events” and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

It emphasized submission to the decree and ultimate knowledge of Allah in all affairs, praying for divine comfort and forgiveness for the departed.

These deaths increase the number of Nigerian pilgrims who have died in Saudi Arabia ahead of this year’s Hajj, set to commence on Friday. Previously, two pilgrims from Kebbi State and one from Lagos State also passed away in Makkah.