MAKKAH, SAUDI ARABIA – A somber atmosphere descended upon Nigerian pilgrims in the holy city of Makkah as news broke of the sudden passing of Shu’aibu Jibrin, a pilgrim from Kano State, just under 24 hours before the official commencement of the 2025 Hajj rites.
According to the Kano State Pilgrim Welfare Board, Jibrin, a native of Gargai village in the Bebeji Local Government Area, succumbed to a cardiac arrest despite receiving medical treatment. The tragic development was confirmed by Malam Suleiman Dederi, spokesperson for the board, who issued a statement on Tuesday, June 3.
Medical History and Final Moments
Family sources revealed that Jibrin, who was a farmer by profession, had a medical history of hypertension and ulcers. Speaking from Makkah, a relative and fellow pilgrim, Sama’uddin Aliyu Kadawa, shared that Jibrin had been admitted to King Abdulazeez Hospital for two days following health complications. After being discharged, his condition reportedly deteriorated again on Monday night.
“He was in stable condition after discharge. Unfortunately, he relapsed and was rushed back to the hospital where he passed away at around 2:50 a.m. on Tuesday,” said Kadawa.
Despite swift intervention by both Nigerian and Saudi medical personnel, efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful.
Edo Pilgrim Also Dies After Performing Tawaaf
In a related incident, the death of 75-year-old Adizatu Dazumi from Edo State was also confirmed. The elderly pilgrim reportedly died shortly after completing Tawaaf (the sacred ritual of circling the Kaaba). According to Musah Uduimoh, Chairman of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dazumi passed away due to complications from a brief illness after being hospitalized.
READ MORE: Saudi Arabia Launches Extensive Hajj 2025 Preparations to Ensure Pilgrim Comfort and Safety
Her passing was described as peaceful, and she was said to have fulfilled one of the most spiritually significant rites of the Hajj before her demise.
Visa Hiccups: Over 2,700 Nigerian Pilgrims Miss 2025 Hajj
Meanwhile, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) revealed that 2,717 Nigerian intending pilgrims were unable to travel for the 2025 Hajj. The missed opportunity stemmed from delayed registrations and the eventual closure of Saudi Arabia’s visa processing portal.
NAHCON clarified in a recent statement that the deadline for visa issuance had been extended four times before Saudi authorities finally closed access. The commission emphasized that it is working to streamline future processes and issued a warning to tour operators to avoid unapproved Tent A+ service providers.
Conclusion
The deaths of Shu’aibu Jibrin and Adizatu Dazumi serve as a solemn reminder of the fragility of life, even during a sacred pilgrimage. As the 2025 Hajj proceeds, Nigerian authorities and pilgrims alike are paying their respects and praying for the departed souls.
May Allah grant them Jannah and give their families the strength to bear this loss.