Hajj Stampede: 355 Nigerians Involved, 99 Dead, 214 Missing – NAHCON

Hajj-Mina

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Thursday said 355 Nigerians were involved in the Mina Stampede, out of whom 99 were confirmed dead and 42 injured.

More than 769 pilgrims from across the world lost their lives in the Sept. 24 stampede in one of the roads leading to Jamarat Complex (stone throwing site) in Mina, Saudi Arabia. 1000 others were injured.

Commissioner in charge of Information, Research and Library Service, NAHCON, Dr Saleh Okenwa, told newsmen in Mecca that 214 pilgrims were still missing. However, he said that investigation was ongoing to ascertain their whereabouts.

He also said that of the 99 deceased pilgrims, 73 were transported by state pilgrims welfare agencies, and 26 by tour operators.

Okenwa also said that the 42 injured pilgrims comprised 41 transported by the state pilgrims’ welfare boards and one by tour operators.