Nigerian Pilgrim dies in elevator pit in Saudi Arabia

A pilgrim from Niger State died yesterday after he fell into the pit of an elevator said to be under repairs at the House 3, of the Niger State Pilgrims Hotel in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

The deceased, unaware of the faulty condition of the elevator, stepped into it from the 6th floor of the high rise building and immediately sank inside its pit. Rescue workers were immediately mobilized to the site by the National Medical Team of National Hajj Commission, NAHCON, but could not revive the pilgrim.

Speaking to newsmen after the incident, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana head of the Nigeria Medical Team, explained that immediately the incident happened medical personnel were instantly dispatched by his office to the house and after medical checks certified him truly dead.

 He expressed dismay that the elevator had been faulty for days, but no measures were taken by the house authorities and even the State officials to seal the elevator, in order to prevent the occurrence of this unfortunate incident.

Dr. Ibrahim Kana said the Saudi authorities and their security agents have waded into the issue, adding that the CCTV footage of the incident was being reviewed by the Saudi Authorities to get full details. Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Barrister Abdullah Mukhtar Muhammad, expressed sadness over the incident and prays Allah to forgive the deceased and give the family, the government and people of Niger State, the pilgrims in particular the fortitude to bear the loss. The Chairman was represented by Dr. Kana at the condolence visit. In his remarks, the Niger State Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Abubakar Magaji thanked the commission for the visit and its prompt action when the incident occurred.

The Amirul Hajj said he was overwhelmed when reached the spot of the accident, adding that the NAHCON medical team was already on ground and making all necessary medical checks on the victim but could not save his life.

Alhaji Abubakar Magaji however implored NAHCON to not only investigate, apportion blame, but punish all those found wanting to serve as deterrent to others. Meanwhile, another pilgrim (female) from Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State (names withheld) died in Makkah hospital after a brief illness yesterday. The death was confirmed by Public Relations Officer of the Board, Yunusa Muhammad Abdullahi in Makkah yesterday. Earlier four pilgrims were confirmed dead by Dr. Kana while presenting a report of his committee to stakeholders during a Post-Arafat meeting held recently. The developments have brought the total number of pilgrims who died during the holy pilgrimage to six.