The last batch of Kano state pilgrims for 2019 hajj yesterday arrived the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina, Saudi Arabia, barely seven days to the closure of all entry boarders.

No fewer than 330 pilgrims left of the total 3,170 contingents from the state departed Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport Kano (MAKIA) on Boeing 737 Max airline, signal early completion of departure operations.

Briefing journalists in Medina, Saudi Arabia, executive secretary, Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Mohammad Abba Danbatta expressed satisfaction that 2019 departure exercise was 100 per cent completed early enough.


Alhaji Abba revealed that the board successfully completed the movement of over 3,000 pilgrims, including officials of the board and government delegation in five flights airlift on scheduled.

According to the executive secretary, about 2,900 pilgrims earlier departed to the holy land had already completed their religious rites in Medina and since conveyed to Makkah ahead of hajj rituals.

Besides the two pilgrims from Kano who died in Makkah a few days ago, Alhaji Abba revealed that all the state pilgrims are in steady health and steady for the spiritual exercise.

“By the special grace of God we have completed all airlift to Saudi Arabia for this year’s hajj. I can confirm to you as I speak that no single pilgrim from Kano is left behind meaning that we have completed our entrusted responsibility 100 per cent and on schedule.

“Now, we have 3,170 pilgrims already in Saudi Arabia. About 2,950 have completed all necessary rites in Medina and since moved to hajj for the beginning of hajj. Presently we have about 330 in Medina and will also move to Makkah from Monday.

“On a sad note, however, we lost two of out pilgrims, a male and female in Makkah. They arrived Saudi safely and even spent about seven days here in Medina before meeting their death in Makkah. We pray God grant them ultimate paradise amen”. Alhaji Abba noted.

He applauded Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s support and enablement for the smooth operations.

Meanwhile, about 40,445 pilgrims from Nigeria have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the 2019 hajj.

A statement from the operations control command of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) indicated that the total number of pilgrims were airlifted in 88 flight operations.

The hajj mission is scheduled to completed pilgrims airlift on Monday 5th, August 2019.

https://m.guardian.ng/news/hajj-2019-kano-completes-airlift-of-pilgrims-on-schedule/