The Deputy Amirul Hajj and Grand Khadi of Sokoto State, Alhaji Sodangi Acida, has confirmed that two female pilgrims from Sokoto died in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, after completing the 2026 Hajj exercise.
A statement from the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, signed by its Head of Information and Communications, Faruku Umar, identified the deceased as Ladi Umar from Bodinga Local Government Area and Hadiza Umar from Yabo Local Government Area.
Acida further disclosed that two other female pilgrims who were involved in the same incident are receiving treatment in a Saudi hospital, with one being managed for a fracture and the other for an arm dislocation.
The statement conveyed condolences from the Sokoto State Government to the bereaved families, praying that Allah forgive the deceased and grant them “Aljannatul Firdaus.”
He also noted that the first batch of Sokoto pilgrims is expected to leave Saudi Arabia for Nigeria on June 14, stating that return movements will follow a “first to arrive, first to depart” arrangement.
Pilgrims were also advised to comply with baggage regulations, with a strict 32-kilogram limit for each traveller.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the agency, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar JJ, expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmad Aliyu for his support throughout the Hajj operation, while also commending officials, the board, and pilgrims for their cooperation and smooth conduct of the 2026 exercise.
