Tragedy struck the Nigerian contingent currently on pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as two of its members have been confirmed dead while performing the sacred rites of the 2025 Hajj in the holy city of Makkah. The deceased pilgrims have been identified as 75-year-old Adizatu Dazumi from Edo State and prominent Abia businessman, Alhaji Saleh Galeh, who also served as Chairman of the Lokpanta Cattle Market.
Both individuals reportedly passed away on Monday in separate incidents that have since cast a sombre cloud over the Nigerian Hajj delegation. According to sources within the Nigerian camp, Alhaji Galeh died peacefully while fulfilling his religious obligation. His passing came as a shock to many, especially within the Abia State Muslim community where he was regarded as a respected leader and philanthropist. He was deeply involved in communal upliftment and Islamic activities, making his sudden death particularly devastating for those who knew him.
In line with Islamic burial rites, funeral prayers (Salatul Janaza) for the late Galeh were conducted on Tuesday at the Haram Mosque in Makkah, immediately after the Zuhr prayer. The arrangements were coordinated by Abia State pilgrims in collaboration with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and other Muslim organisations, including the Islamic Calling Family (ICF), which also extended its condolences to the grieving family. The ICF, through a statement on its official Facebook page, prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the departed soul and for his admittance into Jannatul Firdaus.
In another unrelated incident, Adizatu Dazumi, a devout Muslim woman from Jattu Uzairue in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, passed away following a brief illness. It was gathered that she became unwell shortly after completing the Tawaaf—the circumambulation of the Kaaba, one of the key rituals of the Hajj, on Sunday. She was rushed to the King Fahad General Hospital in Makkah where she died the following day.
Confirming the unfortunate development, Chairman of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Musah Uduimoh, revealed that Dazumi was buried on the same day in accordance with Islamic practices. He added that her family back in Nigeria had been duly notified and expressed deep condolences on behalf of the board. Uduimoh also reassured the public and the families of other pilgrims that the board remains committed to ensuring the welfare, safety, and spiritual fulfilment of all Edo State pilgrims throughout the Hajj period.
The loss of these two pilgrims underscores the physically demanding nature of the Hajj, particularly for elderly participants. Nigerian Hajj officials in Makkah have since intensified their health and welfare support services to forestall further incidents, even as prayers continue to be offered for the souls of the deceased.
