Six Nigerian pilgrims have died in the course of the 2023 Hajj in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, according to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The commission announced the deaths on Saturday, June 24, during a meeting in Makkah. Two of the deceased were from Osun state, two from Kaduna state, and one from Plateau state.
The head of the NAHCON 2023 Hajj medical team, Usman Galadima, said that the deaths were due to various health issues and called for stricter pre-hajj medical screening of intending pilgrims. He said that only those who are healthy and have the means to undertake the pilgrimage should be allowed to participate.
Galadima also revealed that the medical team diagnosed 30 patients with mental challenges who are currently undergoing treatment and are expected to perform hajj²³. He said that the team has four psychiatrists who are managing them.
In addition, the medical team reported two cases of miscarriages, one successful delivery of a seven-month pregnancy through a Caesarian section, one amputation due to diabetes complications, and eight cases of fractures among older pilgrims.
The 2023 Hajj is expected to end on Tuesday, June 27. About 60,000 pilgrims from around the world are participating in the pilgrimage amid strict COVID-19 protocols¹. Nigeria has sent about 1,500 pilgrims for the hajj this year.
