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2024 Hajj: Dreams fulfilled as pilgrims complete rites, return to Makkah
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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
In high spirits of fulfilment, over 1.8 million pilgrims on Tuesday departed the tent city of Muna back to their comfort zones in Makkah after completing hajj rites at the sacred sites.
The pilgrims had embarked on a rigorous but spiritually rewarding exercise across the various sites and were expected to round up with the symbolic pelting of the devil at Jamurah.
Over 65,000 Nigerians joined other participating pilgrims drawn from across the world for the 2024 pilgrimage that lasted five days.
Amid tense temperatures, the largest Muslim congregation in the world converged on Arafah, Musdalifah, Jamurah, and Muna, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to carry out the 5th pillar of Islam.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, a total of 1,833,164 pilgrims from across the world participated in the 2024 pilgrimage at the end of the exercise.
Specifically, the data indicated 4,714; 60,251; and 1,546 pilgrims were received into the Kingdom through sea, land, and air ports respectively to perform this year’s Hajj. The data further shows 22.3 percent of this year’s pilgrims came from Arab countries, while 11.3 percent represented African countries.
Similarly, Asian countries excluding Arab countries represented 63.3 percent, while European countries, North and South America, and Australia represented 3.22 percent in this year’s pilgrimage.
No fewer than 19 pilgrims died and several others were reported missing due to the extreme temperatures experienced during the exercise at the sacred city of Muna.
Besides, the Saudi Arabian authorities had declared a 5-hour movement restriction at Muna, to reduce the impact of the devastating weather conditions that escalated above 46 degrees Celsius on Monday.
Alh. Tukur Audu, a pilgrim from Adamawa State, expressed satisfaction for successfully completing all the routines in the last five days. The elderly pilgrim said it was a self-fulfilling moment to endure the physically engaging rites at his age.
Alhaja Hauwa Abubakar was equally full of gratitude for the strength and spiritual enablement to execute the five days’ engagement. She was particularly delighted with the support received from officials and the provision of feeding and transportation services.
In the same vein, Hon. Saliu Adams, who came on hajj with five members of his family from Kogi state, could not hide his pleasant feelings for the privilege to conduct hajj rites.
Meanwhile, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) attributed the successful completion of the rites at the sacred sites to teamwork, dedication, and a renewed strategy for better results.
The Chairman, Mallam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, who earlier spoke during an inspection of some states’ tents at Muna, said despite little glitches experienced by a few states, the success recorded this year will serve as a guide in subsequent exercises.
Mal. Arabi disclosed that the commission was not unmindful of the inconveniences that arose as a result of some of their actions and policies intended for better services.
He, however, pleaded for forgiveness and promised to operate an open-door policy for criticism from external bodies and stakeholders to enable the commission to build a viable hajj ecosystem.
A former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar, and his wife have been kidnapped by suspected armed bandits in Katsina State, north-west Nigeria.
The incident reportedly happened on Saturday along the Matazu axis of Katsina while the retired senior officer was travelling with his wife to Katsina. Armed attackers intercepted their vehicle and took them away.
A security source told Sahara Reporters that the driver of the vehicle was also attacked but managed to escape despite suffering a gunshot injury during the incident.
According to reports, the vehicle used by the retired general, a red Peugeot 504, was later found and has been taken to the Matazu Divisional Police Headquarters.
An informal security message circulating among military contacts, allegedly shared by retired Brigadier General Sagir Musa, confirmed that the officer and his wife were abducted and urged authorities to act quickly.
As of the time of this report, neither the Katsina State Police Command nor the military had released an official statement on the incident.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has sanctioned the promotion of 17,952 junior police officers across various ranks within the Nigeria Police Force. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing personnel welfare, boosting morale, and recognizing diligence, professionalism, and dedication to duty.
A statement issued by DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the Force Public Relations Officer at Force Headquarters, indicated that the promotion exercise, which spans Commands and Formations nationwide, includes the elevation of 165 Sergeants to the rank of Inspector, 73 Corporals to the rank of Sergeant, and 17,714 Constables to the rank of Corporal.
The Inspector-General of Police highlighted that timely promotions are a vital aspect of the Force’s human resource management strategy and serve as a significant motivator for officers to remain dedicated to fulfilling their constitutional duties. He underscored that the advancement of deserving personnel demonstrates the current Police leadership’s commitment to merit, career progression, and institutional development.
IGP Disu extended his congratulations to the newly promoted officers and urged them to view their elevation as a call to greater responsibility, professionalism, discipline, and dedication to service. He encouraged them to uphold the core values of the Nigeria Police Force and to continue performing their duties with integrity, respect for human rights, and a commitment to the rule of law.
The statement affirmed that the Nigeria Police Force is unwavering in its dedication to promoting excellence, rewarding hard work, and enhancing institutional capacity in accordance with global best practices in policing.
Peter Obi has named former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate after emerging as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate for the next general election.
Peter Obi has announced former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate after securing the presidential ticket of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of next year’s general elections. Obi made the announcement on Saturday shortly after his official confirmation as the party’s presidential candidate.
The NDC had earlier declared Obi as its standard-bearer for the forthcoming polls, marking a significant development in the country’s political landscape. The presidential candidate said Kwankwaso would join him on the ticket as they seek to build a broad-based coalition capable of challenging for power at the national level.
Obi and Kwankwaso recently left the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing internal divisions and ongoing court cases within the party. Their move to the NDC has reshaped the party’s political fortunes, with both leaders expected to play central roles in its campaign preparations ahead of the election.
Ex-military spokesperson, wife abducted in Katsina
IGP Disu promotes 17,952 junior police officers nationwide
NDC flags off campaign as Obi unveils Kwankwaso as running mate
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