Tragedy struck the Nigerian contingent at the ongoing 2025 Hajj in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, as two pilgrims have been confirmed dead in separate incidents.
The deceased have been identified as 75-year-old Adizatu Dazumi from Edo State and Alhaji Saleh Galeh, a prominent businessman and Chairman of the Lokpanta Cattle Market in Abia State. Both individuals reportedly passed away on Monday.
Alhaji Galeh, known as a respected figure in his community and a key player in the cattle market, was said to have died peacefully during the holy pilgrimage.
His death has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian Muslim community and among fellow pilgrims.
According to sources, funeral rites (Salatul Janazah) for Galeh were scheduled to take place at the Haram Mosque in Makkah on Tuesday, during the afternoon (Zuhr) prayer session.
Various Muslim organisations, including the Islamic Calling Family (ICF) in Imo State, extended their condolences and praised the efforts of the National Hajj Commission and Abia State officials in arranging a dignified burial.
“A revered member of the Abia State delegation, Alhaji Saleh Galeh, has returned to his Creator while performing Hajj. Plans were swiftly made for his Janazah prayer at the Haram Mosque,” ICF said in a condolence post on Facebook.
“May Allah forgive his sins and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.”
In a separate incident, Dazumi, a native of Jattu Uzairue in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, died after a brief illness.
Reports indicate that she became ill shortly after completing the Tawaaf—one of the major rites of Hajj involving the circumambulation of the Kaaba—and was taken to King Fahad General Hospital in Makkah on Sunday.
She passed away the next day.
Chairman of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Musah Uduimoh, confirmed her passing and disclosed that she was laid to rest the same day in accordance with Islamic burial rites.
He also stated that the deceased’s family had been informed and offered prayers for her soul.
Uduimoh extended his sympathy to the family and reiterated the board’s commitment to the wellbeing and safety of all pilgrims from Edo State during the sacred journey.