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| 2024 Hajj: Kebbi Reports Third Pilgrim Death in Makkah Amid Heat Wave Warnings |
The Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board has reported the passing of a third pilgrim from the state in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
This death marks the third casualty among the Kebbi State pilgrims in Saudi Arabia since the start of this year's Hajj.
According to a statement from the state Hajj Media Team, the State Pilgrim Agency's chairman, Alhaji Farouk Aliyu-Enabo, made the announcement on Sunday. The deceased, Abubakar Abdullahi from Gulma in the Argungu Local Government Area, succumbed to a brief illness.
Governor Nasir Idris has expressed his condolences and has prayed for Allah's forgiveness and the granting of Jannatul Firdaus to the departed soul.
Following Islamic tradition, the deceased was buried after funeral prayers at Masjid Al-Haram (Ka’aba).
In a separate development, health professionals have advised Borno pilgrims to take protective measures against the expected severe heat wave during the Hajj in Makkah.
Dr. Zara Mairam Lawan, the leader of the Borno medical team, emphasized the need to avoid direct sunlight and maintain hydration to counter the intense heat's harmful effects.
Dr. Lawan, speaking from Makkah on Monday, highlighted the health dangers posed by the extreme temperatures, especially for pilgrims with existing health issues.
The medical team has provided vital health services to over 300 pilgrims in Madina and Makkah in the last two weeks.
Dr. Zara reported that the medical team has been treating various health problems among the pilgrims, including fatigue, colds, body pains, and malaria cases.
She noted that some pilgrims were found to have chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. There were also urgent cases, including a pilgrim hospitalized in Madina for heart failure and another suffering from sickle cell anemia.
Both patients are currently being treated in Makkah and are showing positive responses to the treatments.
The State Pilgrims Board has supplied emergency medications to handle minor health issues among the pilgrims, according to Dr. Zara.
Additionally, she revealed that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has set up the first medical outpost to serve pilgrims from Borno and neighboring states such as Yobe, Taraba, and Abuja.
