The Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Dr Ibrahim Kana, has given the number of Nigerian pilgrims who died during the 2019 Hajj to be nine.
Kana made the announcement in Muna, Saudi Arabia, while briefing journalists on activities of the medical team of NAHCON for the pilgrims.
One of the latest deaths recorded is that of Mrs Folasade Lawal.
The chairman of the team said that the commission opened 21 field offices in Muna with adequate drugs and ambulances, adding that well trained medical personnel were on ground to attend to pilgrims.
He identified cough and hypertension as some of the health challenges presented by patients.
Meanwhile, the News Agency of Nigeria reports that Nigerian pilgrims had begun aggressive buying and selling after Arafat and Eid el- Kabir.
NAN correspondent, who visited Nigerian camp in Muna reports that many pilgrims, mostly women, were seen buying women wears and other gift items, they claimed were meant for their families and friends at home.
Others, however,devoted their time to accomplishing the remaining rites such as stone throw at the three devils and special prayer.
Pilgrims who spent three days to accomplish religious rites in Muna were expected to move to the Grand Mosque, Makkah on Tuesday to complete the remaining rites to ensure an acceptable hajj.
According to sources from NAHCON, Aug. 17 has been fixed as kick-off for the flight of Nigerian pilgrims back home.(NAN)
