Two Nigerians Pilgrims came across their death and another in the Hospital in Mecca
Posted by opeyemi 293 days ago (Editorial)
The pilgrims were hit by a high speed vehicle while crossing a road on their way to their residential quarters after prayers at Ka’aba, the grand holy mosque. The driver of the speeding vehicle ran away soon after the incident.
Leader of the Federal Government medical team to this year’s hajj, Dr Ibrahim Kana, confirmed the incident. He did not however disclose names of the pilgrims, as according to him, he was yet to get their full particulars.
Speaking with newsmen on pilgrims health update in Mecca yesterday, Dr Kana said the greatest worry of Nigerian officials in Saudi Arabia was the attitude of hit and run drivers and that nothing was being done to arrest the situation.
He did not say whether the officials had taken up the matter with Saudi authorities.
Hit-and-run cases occur daily in Mecca and Medina since the start of pilgrims’ entry into the two holy cities. Many Nigerian pilgrims, especially those from the rural areas and old ones, have been fallen victims of Saudi reckless drivers who always run away after the act for fear of being arrested because of Saudi stiff penalty for any life lost, it was gathered.
The leader of the medical team equally blamed pilgrims for ignoring the overhead bridges provided for pedestrians who instead prefer to cross the busy roads. He urge pilgrim officials to continue to enlighten their pilgrims on road usage and other safety measures.
Kana disclosed that 10 other Nigerian pilgrims had also died of different ailments and that the deceased were from Nasarawa, Kebbi, Bauchi, Sokoto and Zamfara States.
Daily Sun 16th November 2009
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From Auwalu Umar, Mecca
