The first batch of 383 pilgrims from Borno State will on Tuesday evening be airlifted back home after successfully performing the 2024 Hajj exercise.
The pilgrims will be airlifted from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jidda to Muhammadu Buhari International Airport Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.
Borno state Amirul Hajj, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan confirmed this in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Mecca.
He said according to the schedule made available to committee, the second batch of 424 pilgrims will depart Saudi Arabia on Thursday 4th July.
“A total of 383 pilgrims from Borno will be airlifted today 2nd July 2024, from Jidda Airport to Muhammadu Buhari International airport in Maiduguri” Kaka Shehu stated.
The Amirul Hajj, who is also the Senator representing Borno Central, remarked that all the pilgrims are in good health condition after fulfilling the Hajj rituals and spiritual reflection.
He, however, confirmed that one of the pilgrims was still on admission receiving treatment, adding that there was no reported death of any pilgrim from the state.
On the investigation surrounding the delivery of a child by a pilgrim in the Holy Land, Senator Kaka Shehu said the committee inaugurated was yet to submit its report.
He explained that due to the tedious nature of the Hajj rites and other official engagements, the committee requested an extension, assuring that the report would be submitted before completion of the airlift.
“The committee is yet to submit its report. What happened was the committee was inaugurated very close to the commencement of Hajj activities, and they pleaded for extension. The exercise is still ongoing, and hopefully, before we depart, they are expected to submit their report, ” Amirul Hajj confirmed.
The Amirul Hajj urged the pilgrims to be law abiding and carry only goods allowed while returning to Nigeria.
Report by Dauda Illiya
