By Hadiza Mohammed, Northern Operation
Tragedy has struck the 2026 Hajj exercise in Taraba State as six intending pilgrims died before their scheduled departure to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The acting Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Tanko, disclosed this on Saturday during a farewell ceremony for intending pilgrims in Jalingo, the state capital.
Tanko said 716 pilgrims would be airlifted to Saudi Arabia on Sunday for the annual pilgrimage.
According to him, 738 people initially showed interest in participating in the Hajj, but only 716 completed payment of their fares before the deadline and were cleared for the trip.
He explained that although the state secured 723 visas for intending pilgrims, seven were later cancelled following the death of six applicants and the disqualification of a pregnant woman.
“While 723 visas were secured, seven were later cancelled following the death of six applicants — four from natural causes and two from motor accidents — while another applicant was disqualified after being found pregnant,” Tanko stated.
He urged the pilgrims to prudently manage their Basic Travel Allowance to avoid hardship during their stay in Saudi Arabia.
Tanko also commended Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, for providing moral and financial support towards the success of the Hajj operations.
Represented by the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor’s Office, Mohammed Al’amin Ibrahim, Governor Kefas advised the pilgrims to remain disciplined and conduct themselves responsibly throughout the pilgrimage.
He reminded them of the importance of the five pillars of Islam and urged them to fulfil their religious obligations in obedience to Allah.
The governor also warned against acts capable of tarnishing the image of Taraba State and Nigeria while in Saudi Arabia.
Kefas stressed that his administration places equal importance on both Muslim and Christian pilgrimages, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting religious activities across the state.
He further appealed to the pilgrims to pray for peace, unity, and the sustenance of democracy in Taraba State and Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Pilgrims’ Affairs, Alhaji Hammanadama Tukur, said the intending pilgrims had been adequately sensitised on the rules guiding the Hajj exercise.
Tukur disclosed that the pilgrims were provided with uniforms to aid identification and minimise cases of missing persons during the pilgrimage.
He praised Governor Kefas for his continued support and assured that the board remained committed to ensuring a smooth and hitch-free Hajj operation.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the board, Gambo Alhaji Malami, appealed to the state government to increase the number of seats allocated to board members and technical staff, describing the current allocation as inadequate.
“Despite current economic challenges, we hope and pray that the state government will adhere to the National Hajj Commission’s standard of 44 pilgrims per official, consistent with other states in the country,” he said.
