Two Sokoto based female pilgrims, Ladi Umar and Hadiza, have died following an auto crash after completing the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
The dead victims were said to have sustained fractures and dislocation, while another is under care from an arm dislocation, resulting in extended condolences to the bereaved families.
Both pilgrims who were said to have hailed from Bodinga and Yabo Local Government Areas
The duo”s accident yesterday in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, coming after the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj rites.
A statement released last night by the Deputy Amirul Hajj and Grand Khadi of Sokoto State, Sodangi Acida did not reveal the exact cause of the two pilgrims’ death.
However, Acida’s statement revealed that two other female pilgrims involved in the same incident survived and are currently receiving medical treatment.
“We pray that Almighty Allah forgives their shortcomings and grants them Aljannatul Firdaus,” Acida said while conveying the sympathy of the Sokoto State Government to relatives of the deceased.
Meanwhile, Acida disclosed that the first batch of Sokoto pilgrims is expected to begin returning to Nigeria on June 14.
He explained that the airlift arrangement would follow the principle of “first to arrive, first to depart.”
He also advised pilgrims preparing for the return journey to comply strictly with luggage regulations, stressing that baggage must not exceed the approved 32-kilogram limit.
Furthermore, the Permanent Secretary of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Ibrahim Umar, commended Governor Ahmad Aliyu for supporting the welfare of pilgrims throughout the Hajj operation.
He equally praised members of the state delegation, the agency’s management and staff, as well as the pilgrims, for their cooperation, which he said contributed to the smooth conduct of the 2026 Hajj exercise.