Confirms journalist Bilikisu Yusuf, others died in stampede 

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said he was deeply saddened by the colossal calamity which occurred on Thursday in Saudi Arabia, claiming the lives of hundreds of pilgrims, including some Nigerians.

Buhari, in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu said he believed that the stampede at Mina in which a notable Nigerian Journalist, Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf, Prof. Tijjani El-Miskin and others lost their lives was a monumental tragedy, not only for citizens of the countries involved, but for the global Islamic community.

The president extended sincerest condolences to the families of the over 700 pilgrims who lost their lives in this latest disaster in the Holy Places which occurred less than two weeks after a crane collapse in Mecca claimed more than a hundred lives.

Buhari commiserated with the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Nigerian Union of Journalists on the sad loss of Hajiya Bilkisu, an exemplary, dedicated, knowledgeable, very credible, highly-respected, outstanding editor and columnist who, even in death, would remain a glittering role model for journalists, within and outside Nigeria.

The president said he had taken note of the assurance by the Government of Saudi Arabia that Thursday's catastrophe would be investigated.

He however called on  King Salman of Saudi Arabia to ensure ‎a comprehensive and thorough exercise that would identify any flaws in Hajj organisation with a view to avoiding a recurrence of such tragedies during the annual pilgrimage.
MORE TO FOLLOW


http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/buhari-urges-saudi-authorities-to-identify-flaws-in-hajj-operations/221157/



Lalasticlala