10th November, 2010
As Muslims across the globe observe this year’s Hajj, three Nigerian pilgrims have been confirmed dead in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The head of Federal Government Medical Team, Dr. Ibrahim Kamal confirmed the death of the three pilgrims, while speaking with P.M.NEWS on phone from Saudi Arabia yesterday.
Though Dr. Kamal declined to disclose the identities of the deceased pilgrims, saying he was not permitted to do so, a source in Saudi Arabia confirmed to our correspondent this morning that two of them were from the North East zone, while the third one came from the South West area of Nigeria.
Dr. Kamal, however, said that his team is trying its best to ensure that the pilgrims enjoy their stay in the Holyland.
According to him, “only three Nigerians have died here in Saudi Arabia. Two died in Medina while the third one died in Makka. Aside these three, over 500 pilgrims have been treated for various ailments including fever, stomach disorder and body pains.â€
He assured that the medical personnel that accompanied the pilgrims to the Holyland will continue to serve them in Makka and Medina until the end of the exercise.
“The Federal Government has six medical teams across Saudi Arabia. They are all well-equipped and fully ready to serve the pilgrims.Four of the teams are stationed in Makka, one in Jeddah and the sixth one is based in Medina,†he said
Dr. Kamal also stated that all the Nigerian pilgrims are in marathon prayers for the success of the 2011 general elections and urged people at home to continue to pray for them.
—Biodun Onafuye/ Ijebu-Ode
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