2026 Hajj: Nigerian Pilgrim Passes Away In Saudi Arabia

A 70-year-old Nigerian pilgrim from Nasarawa State, Hajiya Rukayya Haliru, has died in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during the ongoing 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        According to Ireporter Online, the Nasarawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board confirmed the incident on Wednesday through its Executive Secretary, Mallam Idris Ahmad Almakura, while speaking with journalists in Makkah.
Almakura stated that the deceased, who hailed from Keffi Local Government Area of the state, had earlier complained of illness before her passing. He explained that medical personnel attached to the pilgrims’ contingent promptly attended to her after she reported feeling unwell, but all efforts to stabilise her were unsuccessful.
“She complained of illness and despite medical efforts, she drew her last breath this morning,” he said.
He further disclosed that officials of the board, alongside members of the deceased’s family, were present at the hospital to oversee the necessary arrangements. The remains were later taken to the Grand Mosque in Makkah, where the Janazah prayer was conducted in line with Islamic rites. The funeral prayer was attended by relatives, officials, and fellow Nigerian pilgrims.
Almakura urged other pilgrims to remain attentive to their health throughout the pilgrimage, advising them to promptly report any signs of illness to the medical teams provided.
He extended condolences to the Nasarawa State Government, the bereaved family, and the management and staff of the pilgrims’ welfare board.
In a separate reaction, a relative of the deceased, Abdulwab Aboki, expressed gratitude to the board for its support, commending its transparency and care during the burial process.