Two Nigerian pilgrims have died while performing the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
The deceased have been identified as 75-year-old Adizatu Dazumi from Edo State and Alhaji Saleh Galeh, a notable businessman from Abia State who also served as Chairman of the Lokpanta Cattle Market.
Both individuals reportedly passed away on Monday under separate circumstances.
Alhaji Galeh, widely regarded as a respected figure within his community, was said to have died peacefully during the pilgrimage.
His passing has drawn widespread grief among fellow pilgrims and the wider Muslim community.
According to sources familiar with the situation, funeral prayers (Salatul Janaza) for Galeh were scheduled for Tuesday at the Haram Mosque in Makkah, following the afternoon (Zuhr) prayer.
Various Islamic groups, including the Islamic Calling Family in Imo State, extended their sympathies and praised the collaborative efforts between the National Hajj Commission and the Abia State contingent to ensure Galeh received a proper burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
“Alhaji Saleh Galeh, one of the Abia State pilgrims, passed away Monday night in Makkah.
Arrangements were promptly made for his Janaza to be observed at the Haram Mosque during Tuesday’s Zuhr prayer,” the Islamic Calling Family noted in a condolence message shared on social media.
“We pray that Allah grants him mercy and a place in Jannatul Firdaus.”
In a separate incident, Dazumi, a pilgrim from Jattu Uzairue in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, reportedly died following a brief illness.
She had just completed the Tawaaf—the sacred circumambulation of the Kaaba—before falling ill. She was taken to King Fahad General Hospital in Makkah on Sunday and passed away the next day.
Chairman of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Musah Uduimoh, confirmed the incident.
He stated that Dazumi was buried on Monday in Makkah in accordance with Islamic customs and that her family had been informed of her passing.
Uduimoh also offered condolences to the bereaved family and reassured other pilgrims that the board remained dedicated to safeguarding their well-being throughout the Hajj journey.
