The Saudi Arabian Government has apologised to two Nigerian pilgrims who were manhandled by security personnel at the Madina Airport.
The Deputy Governor of Madina region, Sheikh Mohammad Albijawi who tendered the apology during a visit to the victims in their hotel, gave assurance that appropriate punishment would be meted on security officials involved.
He advised Nigerian pilgrims to be of good conduct and perform the annual spiritual pilgrimage based on the religious guidelines and instructions.
He said that the Saudi authorities have put facilities in place to ensure a hitch free Hajj this year.
The Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Umaru Salisu Zainabu also commended the Saudi Arabia authorities for a swift response over the incident.
Responding, the tortured pilgrims Audu Damina Muhammad and Ibrahim Nani Godi expressed their gratitude to the Saudi authorities and the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) for responding to their plight promptly.
Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad had recently announced that 79,000 intending Pilgrims are performing this year’s Hajj. This comprised 60,000 under state government quota and 19,000 under private tour operators.
The first airlift from Nigeria took off from the Abuja International Airport on July 30, 2017 and would be concluded by August 26, 2017 when the Jeddah International Airport will be closed.
The return of Nigerian pilgrims will commence on September 6 and the last flight will be on October 8. [myad]
