The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Wednesday in Abuja submitted the report of the 2015 Hajj report to the Federal Government and put the number of deaths in the tragic accidents at 280 while 43 were missing as their status had yet to be ascertained.
While receiving the report in his office, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, commended the chairman of NAHCON, Abdullahi Mohammed, and its entire board for their exemplary performance in Saudi Arabia, especially, during the tragedies that occurred during the Hajj.
A statement by the Deputy Director of Press in the Office of the SGF, Bolaji Adebiyi, quoted Lawal as saying he was impressed with the conduct of the chairman in providing the government adequate and incontrovertible information throughout the crisis.
He assured the commission that the report submitted will receive the prompt attention of the government.
Mohammed described the 2015 Hajj as “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.
“Nigeria recorded a total of 280 deaths from both events, while 43 are considered missing as their status is yet to be ascertained,” he stated.
Mohammed condoled President Muhammadu Buhari, families of victims and indeed, Nigerians on the loss of lives, with an assurance that the report submitted contains observations and indeed, recommendations that would ensure more successes during future Hajj exercises.
