The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has condoled with the Sokoto State government over the Monday attack on intending pilgrims by some terrorists.
The pilgrims were heading to Sokoto town from Isa Local Government Area as they were due for take-off to the holy land on Tuesday by 7:30am.
Reports said the terrorists launched the attack along Gundumi Forest but the security escorts of the intending pilgrims repelled the attack which saw no casualty on the part of the pilgrims.
However, three of the security escorts lost their lives during the duel with the terrorists.
NAHCON Chairman, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan in a condolence letter written to the Sokoto State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal described the incident as unfortunate.
He said he joins the state government in this moment of grief and prays the Almighty to assist the federal and state governments in ending the bloodbath and all forms of atrocities being perpetrated in the country.
Alhaji Zikrullah lamented the unfortunate situation and prayed for the repose of the souls of gallant men that sacrificed their lives in the incident.
He also prayed for their families to have the strength to bear the losses.
Meanwhile, the NAHCON chief in a postmortem meeting with Secretary of NAHCON’s Central Security Committee (CSC) instructed the CSC to intensify collaboration between them and state governments ostensibly to safeguard pilgrims wherever they are in the country.
He also cautioned other states of the federation to reinforce security around pilgrims’ camps and their movements.
Alhaji Zikrullah reminded state chief executives that safety of the pilgrims and their escorts are their primary responsibilities and consequently it should be taken with extra dedication. He expressed the Commission’s readiness to support states where necessary in discharge of the important task.
Hajj airlifting update
Salam, Today 23/06/22, AZMAN flight ZQ2352 departed Maiduguri to Madinah at 01:40hrs with 401 Yobe Pilgrims.
M= 267, F= 134
Total Airlifts= 12,098
Total Flights= 27