Over 300 Nigerian Pilgrims Died in Mecca Tragedy- Emir of Kano

GANDUJE, SANUSI WEEP FOR DECEASED PILGRIMS

Kano state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on Saturday, publicly wept when the Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II disclosed during a special prayer to usher in the New Islamic year and for the repose of souls of pilgrims who died at the Mina stampede, in Saudi Arabia, recently, that over 300 Nigerians lost their lives in the incident. 

The Emir said: “so far 173 Nigerians were confirmed dead. The whereabouts of about 130 are still unknown even though yesterday (Friday) one Nigerian was identified. However, through the use of DNA samples in due course, some of our people could still be identified. Therefore, to be precise, over 30O Nigerians are assumed dead."

Presiding over the prayers at the Kano Central Mosque, Emir Sanusi urged federal government to investigate the causes of the tragedy. The emir disclosed that information could be gathered from the Nigerians that survived the incidence, challenging contemporary Islamic scholars to come up with fatwa that would resolve the complexities associated with stoning of the Jamaraat.

He also appealed to federal government to iron out with Saudi authorities, the issue of stationing of Nigerian pilgrims at the boundary of Mina and Musdalifah during pilgrimage, or over a decade, arguing that the stationing arrangement should be rotational to facilitate unity among all races. 

The Emir further called on the state government to direct its Pilgrims Welfare Board to commence preparation for securing accommodation close to Holy Mosque for its pilgrims as soon as possible, noting that any delay could deny next year’s pilgrims opportunity to secure accommodation with more locational advantages. 

Emir Sanusi prayed Allah to grant all pilgrims who lost their lives during the stampede at Minna and those who died as a result of Crane slip in the Holy Grand Mosque of Mecca, the highest Paradise, and the bereaved the courage to bear the loss.

In his brief remarks, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who could not hold back his tears prayed Allah to let absolute peace to reign in the state and the nation at large. 

The prayer session was attended by top government officials, politicians, traditional rulers, Imams, Islamic scholars and members of the Kano business community.