No fewer than seven northerns who went for 2023 Hajj exercise were reported dead, according to the head of the Nigerian medical team for the pilgrimage, Dr Usman Galadima.
WikkiTimes had earlier reported that six persons — two from Kaduna and one from Plateau states — died before Arafat, while other casualties were recorded during Misha’ir, the main hajj exercise. It is the movement from Mina to Arafat and back to Mina. It is within this period that the major Hajj rites are performed, according to PREMIUM TIMES.
In his presentation, Galadima said seven pilgrims died before Misha’ir, while another six died during the Misha’ir.
Kaduna, Plateau Pilgrims Among 6 Nigerians Reported Dead in Saudi Arabia
For the northern casualties, WikkiTimes gathered that two were from Kaduna, one each from Plateau, Borno, Benue and Yobe states.
Osun and Kaduna states recorded two fatalities each, while Plateau, Kaduna, Borno Yobe, Lagos, and Benue recorded one each. Furthermore, private tour operators recorded three casualties. These were among the 95,000 Nigerian pilgrims that went for this year’s hajj
To reduce the mortality rates, the head of the medics, recommended that elderly pilgrims and those that are very sick should ignore going to Jamarat, the site of the stoning the devil. He noted that pilgrims should be encouraged to use the Jamaraat train services and that there should be thorough pre-Hajj medical screening with the issuance of a certificate of medical fitness.
Earlier, we reported that Galadima said seven pregnancies were recorded among the pilgrims; two from Sokoto State and one each from Adamawa, Kwara, Yobe, Plateau and Katsina.
He added that two miscarriages were recorded; while a diabetic pilgrim had his leg amputated. He said his team offered consultations to a total of 15, 860 Nigerian pilgrims and referred about 100 to Saudi hospitals.
In his latest briefing, Galadima revealed that three cases of chickenpox were detected among Nigerian pilgrims during Misha’ir, adding they have been referred to Saudi hospitals for treatment. He said his team also recorded five psychiatric cases, seven heat strokes, 12 severe malaria and seven cases of diabetes emergencies.
