Hajj: 1,353 Lagos Pilgrims Arrive Saudi Arabia | WakaWaka Reporters
Mecca Stampede

Hajj: 1,353 Lagos Pilgrims Arrive Saudi Arabia

Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has said that 1,353 pilgrims from the state have been transported to Saudi Arabia for the 2017 Hajj exercise.

The Amirul Hajj and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem Abdul-Lateef, in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday by Mr. Jamiu Dosunmu, the board’s spokesperson, said that the pilgrims were transported in four flights.

He said “As of today, 1, 353 pilgrims from Lagos State have touched down in Saudi Arabia for the hajj exercise, and we have done everything to ensure their comfort.‎”

Dosunmu described the organisation and conduct of Nigerian pilgrims as “impressive.”

“Organisation and conduct of Nigerian pilgrims during visits to the prophet’s mosque and other important sites has been a source of admiration to pilgrims from other continents.

“I will emphasise to our pilgrims that they should be wary of luggage they hold for unknown persons and they should not be found in possession of banned substances.

“Drugs could be hidden in onions, dry red chilies, cans and other unsuspecting items,” he warned.

It was learnt that about 2,400 pilgrims from the state are expected to perform this year’s Hajj exercise.