Fifty-four Nigerians have been confirmed dead from the stampede in Mina, Saudi Arabia, during this year’s Hajj.
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The monarch and his two wives died on Thursday during a stampede that claimed the lives of over 700 pilgrims.
Amirul Hajj and Emir of Argungu, Samaila Mera, speaker of Kebbi state House of Assembly and his deputy, Governor Atiku Bagudu’s family were among pilgrims who survived the incident.
No fewer than 717 pilgrims died and 805 others injured in the stampede when the pilgrims trooped to perform the ritual of the symbolic stoning of the devil.
At least 6 Nigerians were involved in the Saudi crane incident at the Holy Mosque, Ka’aba, in Mecca on Friday, September 11.
He also said 77 pilgrims were confirmed injured with 61 being from the state pilgrims boards while 16 were from tour operators.
Regarding some missing pilgrims, Muhammed said there are hopes that they will still be found alive and that a committee to go in search of the missing pilgrims has been constituted.
“President Buhari has also directed the Hajj Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to give all necessary assistance to Nigerians who are still receiving treatment for injuries suffered in Mina”.
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Mukhtar said the commission had set up three committees to condole with the families of the deceased, arrange befitting burial for the deceased and to collate information from eyewitnesses.
