By Abiola Olawale
A Nigerian pilgrim has been confirmed died at the ongoing Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
The Nigerian pilgrim whose name was withheld was said to have passed away on his way to Jamrate to perform the ritual of throwing stones.
Head of Nigeria’s Medical Team for the 2024 Hajj, Dr Abubakar Adamu, has also confirmed the demise.
Adamu who addressed the press in Mina, Saudi Arabia, said that the individual collapsed and eventually died due to heatstroke.
He further advised pilgrims to use umbrellas to protect themselves from the heatwave sun.
He implored the pilgrims to always seek shade whenever possible to avoid direct sunlight.
He said: ”Even before the commencement of this year’s hajj operation, we have been educating and sensitising members of the medical team on how to prevent heatstroke that could arise from heatwave.
”Pilgrims are also advised to pay close attention to all health advisories and instructions provided by the medical team.
”To limit sun exposure, pilgrims should avoid going outside during peak heat. They should also refrain from walking in the sun.”
This demise of the Nigerian pilgrim came after Jordan’s foreign ministry announced that 14 of its nationals had died “due to the extreme heat wave” at the ongoing Hajj.
It would be recalled also that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Monday stopped pilgrims from proceeding to the Jamarat Bridge for the ritual of throwing stones from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. due to excessive heat.
The pilgrims were cautioned against flaunting Saudi authorities order, which directly prohibited them from the ritual of throwing stones within the stipulated time.
