Two female pilgrims from Sokoto State have died in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, shortly after the completion of the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency confirmed the deaths, describing the development as deeply painful and offering condolences to the families of the deceased.
The State Deputy Amirul Hajj and Grand Khadi of Sokoto State, Alhaji Sodangi Acida, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Makkah.
According to him, the deceased pilgrims are Ladi Umar of Bodinga Local Government Area and Hadiza Umar of Yabo Local Government Area.
He said the state government has extended sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased and grant them Aljannatul Firdaus.
“We convey the condolences of the Sokoto State Government to the families of the deceased and pray Almighty Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them Aljannatul Firdaus,” he said.
Alhaji Acida also confirmed that the first batch of Sokoto pilgrims is scheduled to begin its return journey to Nigeria on June 14, 2026.
He explained that the return process would follow a “first to arrive, first to depart” arrangement, adding that logistics had been concluded for the smooth airlift of pilgrims back home.
He further urged pilgrims to comply strictly with baggage regulations, noting that each pilgrim is limited to 32 kilograms per bag.
The Grand Khadi also commended the Sokoto State Government for its support throughout the Hajj exercise, particularly Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, whom he praised for sustained commitment to pilgrims’ welfare.
The Permanent Secretary of the agency, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar JJ, also expressed appreciation to the state government delegation, agency staff, and pilgrims for their cooperation, which he said contributed to the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj operation.
