MAKKAH, Saudi Arabia – A somber tone has settled over the Lagos State contingents on a sacred pilgrimage as one of their members, Alhaja Kuburat Sekoni, was found dead in the bathroom on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.

The tragic incident has cast a shadow over what is considered a spiritual high point for many Muslims.

Alhaja Sekoni, who was part of the pilgrims from Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area, was 66 years old.

Her lifeless body was discovered by her roommate who wanted to use the restroom.

Prince Anofiu Elegushi, the Lagos State Amir-ul-Hajj and former Commissioner for Home Affairs, expressed deep regret over the incident.

He stated that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been briefed about the “unfortunate incident” and was deeply saddened upon hearing the news.

Elegushi said in his statement, “This is a tragic moment for all of us, especially for the family of Alhaja Sekoni. We are here on a spiritual journey, and it is heartbreaking that she could not complete hers.”

He further offered prayers for the deceased, saying, “I pray to Allah to forgive her shortcomings, accept her Hajj as an act of Ibadah, and admit her into Al-Jannah Firdaus.”

The Hajj pilgrimage is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

It is mandatory for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey at least once in their lifetime.

As the Lagos State contingents continue with their pilgrimage, the death of Alhaja Sekoni is a reminder of the solemnity and spiritual significance of the journey, and her memory will remain with those who shared this final pilgrimage with her.

Mourning as Nigerian Woman Passes Away While on Pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia

Amina Yunusa, a female pilgrim from the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, of Nigeria, has passed away in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

The sad news was confirmed Abubakar Evuti, the Director of the Federal Capital Territory Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

In a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Friday, Jjune 30, 2023, in Makkah, Evuti said, “With total submission to Allah, the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, MPWB, hereby announce the death of Yunusa. May Allah forgive her shortcomings, accept her act of worship and grant her Aljannat.”

Evuti also expressed deep condolences to the deceased’s immediate family and advised them to accept her death as the will of Allah.

He stated that they should find solace in the belief that Hajiya Amina passed away in the holy city of Makkah after performing Hajj Mabroor.

This acceptable Hajj pilgrimage is believed in Islam to carry the reward of Aljannatul Firdausi (Paradise) as stated in the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam and mandatory for all Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey.

It is believed to be a highly meritorious act in Islam, and passing away during the pilgrimage is often seen as a sign of divine favour.

The bereaved family, fellow pilgrims, and the Muslim community are mourning the loss of Hajiya Amina Yunusa and praying for the repose of her soul.