One of the Hajj pilgrims from Lagos State, Idris Oloshogbo, 68, is dead. He died in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Oloshogbo was confirmed dead by medical experts in the country.
It was gathered that Oloshogbo died shortly after returning from Tawaf (circumambulation) of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah.
The Secretary, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Saheed Onipede, announced the sad loss in a statement through the agency spokesperson, Taofeek Lawal, Wednesday.
According to Onipede, the deceased, a 68-year-old pilgrim from Shomolu Local Government, died while eating his food in the evening (after Solat Maghrib).
He stressed that, while the cause of his death was yet to be medically ascertained as of press time, the death could not be unconnected with high blood pressure (BP) and the stress he passed through during the tawaf.
While extending the condolences of the state government to the immediate family and friends of the deceased, Onipede prayed that Allah would forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljanat Fridauos as well as the reward of the Hajj, since he already had the intention.
Therefore, he appealed to other pilgrims to exercise caution and refrain from overstressing themselves before the commencement of the real Hajj rites that are yet to be fulfilled.
“The deceased has been buried in Makkah in line with the principles laid down by Saudi Arabian authorities,” Onipede stated.
A board member, Waheed Shonibare led other state government officials and some pilgrims to observe janaza prayer for the pilgrim in Kaabah.
…in Madinah
Meanwhile, the last batch of pilgrims shall be proceeding to Makkah from Madinah on Thursday to continue other aspects of the spiritual exercise, after spending the mandatory four days allowed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, for pilgrims to stay in Madinah.
While in Madinah, the pilgrims embarked on various religious activities such as observing regular solat in Masjid Nabawih (Prophet Mosque), visitation to the Raodah (a special section) in the Mosque, which has spiritual implications for any pilgrim that endeavour to visit, as well as visitation to the tomb of the Prophet and his companions, to pray for them.
Other sites visited by pilgrims included: Masjid Quba (the first Mosque built by the Prophey in Madinah); Masjid Qiblatain (Mosque with two qiblas); Mountain Huud (where Hamzat and many other companions were killed and buried) during a war with the unbelievers, among others.
Speaking on the conduct of the pilgrims in Madinah, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic matters, Dr. Ahmad Jebe, said that the pilgrims conducted themselves very well and hope that such exemplary conducts and behaviours would be extended to Makkah where they are expected to stay much longer.
While corroborating the Special Adviser, the Board Chairman, Imam (Engr.) Shakiru Gafar, appreciated the pilgrims for their patience, endurance and perseverance.
He noted that the patience they have exhibited so far in Madinah which is in line with NAHCON was highly encouraging.
He assured them that the board would ensure they enjoy substantial comfort throughout their stay in Makkah for the Hajj rites.