By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A Nigerian pilgrim has collapsed and died due to excessive heat in Saudi Arabia.
This was confirmed by Head of Nigeria’s Medical Team for the 2024 Hajj, Dr Abubakar Adamu, in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Mina, Saudi Arabia. According to reports, the pilgrim was on his way to Jamrate to perform the ritual of throwing stones when he collapsed and eventually died due to heatstroke.
It was gathered that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had around 11am, stopped pilgrims from proceeding to the Jamarat Bridge for the ritual of throwing stones due to the overbearing heat. The head of the Nigerian Medical Team, Adamu said, “Even before the commencement of this year’s hajj operation, we have been educating and sensitising members of the medical team on how to prevent heatstroke that could arise from heatwave.” Pilgrims have also been advised to use umbrellas to protect themselves from the heatwave sun.
The need for pilgrims to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, even if they did not feel thirsty was also highlighted. It would be recalled that Nigeria lost another two pilgrims from Kwara State currently participating in the ongoing Hajj operations in Saudi Arabia.
The death of the two Kwara pilgrims brought the number of Nigerian pilgrims who had died in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to 11. This year’s Hajj, commenced on Friday, June 14.