Nigeria: Sokoto Lost Three Pilgrims in Mecca - Medical Team Leader

Mecca, Saudi Arabia - Sokoto State has lost three of its pilgrims in Mecca, Dr Jabbi Kilgore, head of the medical team, said yesterday.

Kilgore told newsmen in Mecca that the deceased had been buried according to Islamic rites.

He said two of the late pilgrims, Danma Isa and Mohammad Labbo, were from Gwadabawa Local Government Area while the third, Ibrahim Huchi, was from Kware Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

He said they all died after brief illnesses and that their families had been notified of their demise.

"It is from Allah we came and it is to Him we shall return. May Allah accept their intention for performing the hajj," he said.

Meanwhile, the government has established a clinic in Muna and Arafat to address the health care needs of its pilgrims.

Kilgore said drugs and medical personnel had been provided for the smooth take off of the clinics.

He added that the state government was giving priority to the health needs of its pilgrims to enable them perform all the hajj rituals effectively.

"We will do all that we can to give the necessary attention to our pilgrims in Mecca and Medina to ensure the success of the hajj exercise," he said.