Muslim pilgrims pray at the Kaaba in Mecca during Hajj. (Photo: Delil SOULEIMAN/AFP)
Abuja, Nigeria (EPICSTORIAN) — Just hours before the commencement of the 2025 Hajj rituals, a tragic incident has shaken the Nigerian pilgrim community.
A Kano Pilgrim, Shu’aibu Jibrin, has been confirmed dead in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Official Confirmation from Pilgrim Board and Family
The Kano State Pilgrim Welfare Board’s spokesperson, Mal. Suleiman Dederi, confirmed the incident early Tuesday. The Kano Pilgrim reportedly died at a Saudi hospital following a brief illness.
Jibrin had earlier been admitted to King Abdulazeez Hospital in Makkah, where he was treated and discharged before his condition worsened again.
Relative’s Account of the Kano Pilgrim’s Final Days
Sama’uddin Aliyu Kadawa, a relative who is also performing the pilgrimage, spoke to journalists about the late pilgrim’s health history. According to him, Jibrin was a farmer from Gargai in the Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State.
“He was okay when he left home. After he became ill, he was admitted to King Abdulazeez Hospital for two days and was discharged after his health improved,” Kadawa stated. “Unfortunately, his condition worsened again yesterday, and he was rushed back to the hospital. Despite efforts by both Nigerian and Saudi medical teams, he passed away around 2:50 a.m.”
Medical Condition and Cause of Death of the Kano Pilgrim
Though the Kano Pilgrim had a history of ulcer and hypertension, doctors confirmed that he died of cardiac arrest and subsequent heart failure.
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The tragic events raised concerns among pilgrims and officials alike, especially with extreme temperatures already reported in the region.
