99 Nigerians confirmed dead in Hajj stampede, 214 missing

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Thursday said 355 Nigerians were involved in the Mina Stampede, out of whom 99 were confirmed dead.

More than 769 pilgrims from across the world died and 1000 others injured in the Sept. 24 stampede in one of the roads leading to Jamarat Complex (stone throwing site) in Mina, Saudi Arabia.

Saleh Okenwa, the Commissioner in charge of Information, Research and Library Service, NAHCON, confirmed the new casualty figures to journalists in Mecca.

Mr. Okenwa also said 214 pilgrims were still missing, adding that investigation was ongoing to ascertain their whereabout.

He said out of the 355 pilgrims involved, 99 were confirmed dead, 42 injured and 214 were still missing as at Oct. 7.

He also said that of the 99 deceased pilgrims, 73 were transported by state pilgrims welfare agencies, and 26 by tour operators.

Mr. Okenwa also said the 42 injured pilgrims comprised 41 transported by state pilgrims’ welfare boards and one by tour operators.

The commissioner said 194 Nigerians of the 214 pilgrims missing were airlifted by the state pilgrims’ welfare agencies, and 20 by tour operators.

Mr. Okenwa said only seven of the 42 injured pilgrims were still on admission.

(NAN)