₦airaland Forum

Hamza Musa Kabir from Kano in northern Nigeria survived the massive stampede at the hajj by shedding his pilgrim’s garment after he was pinned under a man in the crush, which killed 769 people.

Reflecting on the shocking events that unfolded on Thursday in Saudi Arabia, the 55-year-old tall, thin trader told his dramatic story to AFP’s Kano correspondent Aminu Abubakar, who also performed the pilgrimage:

“We set off at sunrise from Muzdalifah and marched towards the Jamarat,” the place in Mina where pilgrims ritually stone the devil, Kabir recounted.

“We were more than halfway through the procession when the road was blocked by the police, which led to buildup (of pilgrims).

“Then the police blocked all the roads, leaving us with only one route. The situation became worse when the police allowed people returning from the Jamarat to use the same route back to their tents” where the pilgrims stay.

“From where I stood, I could see a police officer on a raised platform at a nearby control post beckoning at pilgrims returning that they should move on.

“Because those returning were moving in the opposite (direction) of the surging crowd, there was a stampede.

“People became weak from suffocation and heat. People couldn’t breathe (in the crush). Many collapsed, mostly women and the old and disabled on wheelchairs.

“I also was pinned down by this huge man I believe to be an Asian. I had to strip myself of my shroud which had become an obstacle to my escape.

“I raised my hand and grabbed the shroud of another pilgrim from Nigeria who was already standing on a fence. He couldn’t pull me up because I was pinned down by this huge man.”

– ‘Countless bodies’ –

In an act of desperation, Kabir grabbed the man’s testicles “and squeezed them which made him jump off me.

“This enabled me to use my other hand to reach for the metal bar of the fence, and grab it. I then pulled myself up with the help of another young Arab man who was standing on the fence,” reaching safety inside one of the camps where Kabir then passed out.

“I was so dizzy and weak and too weak to walk. I was spread on the floor and another pilgrim, seeing that I had regained consciousness, offered me his other shroud.

“People offered me drink and some food. I then realised that I had been bitten (on) the side, by a young man from underneath.

Kabir lost his backpack and most of his belongings except for a small bag around his neck.

“I spent, like, two hours sitting down recuperating,” he said.

“After that, I was assisted by another pilgrim from Niger to make it to the Jamarat and carry out the stoning rites.

“What I saw on my return to the scene of the stampede frightened me, because I just saw countless bodies lying on the floor covered in white shrouds, and I knew I could have been one of them.”

Still, he is not too frightened to return.

“I know I will not die until the appointed hour…. Hajj is very important to my faith, and no obstacles will discourage me from seizing another opportunity to come back.”

Ioannes:
well like they say, if you fight corruption, it will fight back. it seems so many people have killed their consciences and have sold their souls to the devil. Saraki won't bother cos he knows that was just election propaganda.

instead he will be busy fighting for his life and freedom next week.

SLIDEwaxie:
Your warped brain is getting the whole picture wrong:

How could a tribe which sees nothing in corruption stone a culorrupt leader?

We have seen their grandmas and great grandmas sold the future of their children and great grand children for 500 naira when they came anmass to protest against justice over the criminals who happened to be their sons and daughters.


Now, do the maths:

Why do you think Saraki was stoned?

lordsanjib:
The greatest regrets of the indigbo is for them not to vote for Buhari.This is the truth before the whole world and it must be said.Buhari's government have solidly taking its place in the history books of this great nation and there is no socio-cultural group that will not jump into the queue to make history with this administration and for someone coming out from no where to tell Nigerians that a particular socio-cultural group does not regret voting for national rebirth is like knowing the truth and forcing oneself to admit the contrary - Lordsanjib

bettercreature:
You make lot of senses up there,they just use that as an excuse,Looking at how much South-eastern and south-southern part of Nigeria hates PMB,its just take extra gut for him to visit there because of fear of being assasinated
And now another project has gone down the drain because of their senseless hatred for PMB,I hope it wont be too late for them before they realise they are their own number one enemy

Harlex:
Masu gudu....su gudu (Those who can run....Let them Run)

"Let the house mice go forth and announce to the bush mice; that there is a new Sherriff in town. His name is General Muhammadu Buhari. And
Stealing is now Corruption.