The 2015 Hajj has been described as the most eventful in the history of Hajj operations in Nigeria, recording a total of 280 deaths from two tragic events, while 43 are considered missing as their status is yet to be ascertained.
This was contained in the Hajj report received by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal Tuesday, in Abuja.
In his remarks, the SGF commended the Chairman and the entire Board of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for their exemplary performance in Saudi Arabia, especially, during the tragedies that occurred during the Hajj.
He said he was particularly impressed with the conduct of the Chairman in providing the Government and indeed, the general public, adequate and incontrovertible information throughout the crisis.
The SGF assured the Commission that the report submitted will receive the prompt attention of the Government.
Speaking, the Chairman, Abdullahi Mohammed, noted that the 2015 Hajj was the most eventful in the history of Hajj Operations in Nigeria with pilgrims witnessing two tragic events: the crane incident at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on September 11, 2015 and the stampede recorded in Mina on September 24, 2015.
The Chairman used the occasion of the submission of the report to once again, condole Mr. President, families of victims and indeed, Nigerians on the loss of lives. He assured that the report submitted contains observations and indeed, recommendations that will ensure more successes during future Hajj Exercises.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Press in SGF Office, Bolaji Adebiyi, a total of 75,081 Nigerian Pilgrims participated in the 2015 Hajj Exercise. Both the outbound and inbound flights were concluded well ahead of schedule.
