A 75-year-old Nigerian pilgrim, Hajia Adizatu Dazumi, from Jattu Uzairue in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, has passed away in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, shortly after completing the sacred Tawaaf rite during the ongoing 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. Her death was confirmed by the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
According to official statements released on Tuesday, the elderly pilgrim developed health complications and was admitted to the King Fahad General Hospital in Makkah on Sunday, where she later died on Monday. She had just concluded the circumambulation of the Kaaba, one of the most spiritually significant acts in the Islamic pilgrimage.
Her death, though peaceful and coming after a revered act of worship, has cast a solemn mood over fellow pilgrims from Nigeria. In accordance with Islamic customs, Hajia Dazumi was buried in Makkah on the same day of her passing. Authorities have also confirmed that her family in Nigeria has been informed of the incident.
Chairman of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Musah Uduimoh, expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the wider Jattu community. He praised the late pilgrim’s devotion and assured the public of the Board’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and health of all Nigerian pilgrims under its care.
“She was laid to rest in the holy land as prescribed by Islamic rites. Our prayers are with her loved ones back home in Edo State. We remain committed to providing all necessary support to our pilgrims during the Hajj season,” Alhaji Uduimoh stated.
The unfortunate incident brings renewed attention to the physical demands of the Hajj pilgrimage, particularly for elderly participants. Despite advances in healthcare provisions and pre-Hajj medical screenings, challenges persist, especially with underlying health conditions and the often intense climatic conditions of Saudi Arabia.
Hajia Dazumi’s passing is not the first of its kind. Previous Hajj exercises have seen similar incidents involving Nigerian pilgrims. For instance, during the 2023 pilgrimage, at least four Nigerians reportedly died due to complications linked to pre-existing medical conditions, intensified by heat stress and physical exertion.
In response to such recurring cases, both Nigerian and Saudi Arabian Hajj authorities have intensified measures aimed at safeguarding pilgrims. These include expanded medical screenings before departure, comprehensive health briefings, and improved access to emergency medical services during the pilgrimage.
The 2025 Hajj continues with thousands of Nigerian pilgrims actively participating in the various rites. While many have successfully completed the initial phases of the pilgrimage, officials urge continued vigilance, especially among the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
As the holy journey progresses, the memory of Hajia Adizatu Dazumi’s final act of devotion will remain in the hearts of fellow pilgrims and her community. Her passing, though deeply saddening, also stands as a reminder of the spiritual significance and physical intensity that the Hajj entails.
