Hajj stampede: 22 Sokoto pilgrims still missing

Twenty-two (22) out of the over 4000 Sokoto State pilgrims involved in the hajj stampede in Saudi Arabia during this year’s pilgrimage are yet to be accounted for, about three months after the hajj ended.

Latest information indicates that 114 pilgrims were originally confirmed dead in the stampede while two were still receiving treatment.

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on Tuesday announced a monetary donation of N500, 000 to each of the 138 families of the 2015 hajj stampede from state.

Making the donation while receiving the report of the 2015 Hajj Committee in Sokoto, Tambuwal said even though the government cannot compensate the families for the loss of their loved ones, the gesture was in fulfillment of the promise he made when the tragedy occurred in September this year.

He said the families have endured pains since the incident and commended them for their patience and prayers.

He said government would continue to put in place measures that will enhance the hajj exercise by boosting safety and logistics of the pilgrims.

In his remarks, Leader of the state delegation to this year’s hajj exercise and Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, said Sokoto pilgrims exhibited good conduct while in the Holy Land.

He appealed to the state government to sustain the state feeding programme for pilgrims at transit camps at home and abroad.

He disclosed that Kware and Gwadabawa local government areas of the state received special awards for maintaining good sanitation in Saudi Arabia.