Nigerian pilgrims from Katsina State have been left stranded in Mina, Saudi Arabia, without adequate accommodation, despite paying over N8 million for the ongoing Hajj exercise.
The pilgrims, who were seen sleeping on the floor under a canopy, have accused the Katsina State Board of abandoning them and failing to provide adequate welfare packages.
The Hajj exercise, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world annually.
Nigerian pilgrims, who had paid millions of naira for the exercise, were expecting adequate accommodation and welfare packages from the state board.
However, their expectations were dashed when they arrived in Mina, only to find that they had no place to call home.
One of the pilgrims, Usman Bello Daura, lamented the situation, stating that the state authorities had failed to provide them with basic necessities.
“We paid over N8 million for this Hajj exercise, but we have been abandoned by the state board. We are sleeping on the floor, exposed to the elements. It’s a terrible situation,” he said.
The pilgrims’ plight has sparked outrage among Nigerians, who have taken to social media to condemn the Katsina State Board for its negligence.
Many have called for an investigation into the matter, demanding accountability from the state authorities.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has also been criticized for its failure to ensure that pilgrims receive adequate accommodation and welfare packages.
The commission has promised to investigate the matter and take necessary actions to alleviate the suffering of the pilgrims.
As the Hajj exercise continues, the plight of the Nigerian pilgrims in Mina remains a pressing concern.
The Nigerian government and relevant authorities must take immediate action to address the situation, ensuring that the pilgrims receive the necessary support and care during this sacred religious journey.
