Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A pall of grief has enveloped Taraba State following the tragic deaths of six intending pilgrims scheduled to participate in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. The acting Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Tanko, disclosed the heartbreaking development on Saturday during a farewell ceremony for intending pilgrims in Jalingo, the state capital. Tanko revealed that the six would‑be pilgrims died under circumstances that highlight the unpredictable challenges pilgrims face even before embarking on the sacred journey. He explained that four of the deceased passed away from natural causes, while two lost their lives in separate motor accidents.
The announcement came as the state prepared to airlift 716 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Tanko noted that while a total of 738 persons initially indicated interest in participating in the annual religious exercise, only 716 completed payment of their Hajj fares before the deadline, making them eligible for travel. He further stated that although 723 visas were initially secured for the state, seven visas were ultimately cancelled due to the deaths of six applicants and the disqualification of one pregnant woman. The deaths have cast a sombre mood over the upcoming airlift, and the board has expressed its condolences to the bereaved families.
The Taraba State Pilgrims Welfare Board has been actively preparing to ensure a safe journey for the remaining pilgrims. A week earlier, on May 4, 2026, the board commenced administering mandatory vaccinations to all intending pilgrims at the Ummah Clinic in Jalingo, in line with health requirements set by the Saudi Arabian authorities. The Leader of the medical team, Dr. Adamu Kara, had urged all pilgrims to promptly avail themselves of the vaccinations to avoid any delays during the airlift, stressing that vaccination is a prerequisite for entry into the Kingdom.
Governor Agbu Kefas, who was represented by the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor’s Office, Arch. Mohammed Al’amin Ibrahim, addressed the departing pilgrims at the farewell ceremony. He urged them to maintain good conduct, avoid contraband, and shun any acts capable of tarnishing the image of Taraba State and Nigeria in the Holy Land. The governor reminded them of the importance of the five pillars of Islam, which underscore the religious obligations of every Muslim in service to Allah. He further noted that his administration places equal importance on both Muslim and Christian pilgrimages, stressing the government’s commitment to supporting religious activities across the state and calling on the pilgrims to pray for peace, unity, and the sustenance of democracy in Taraba State and Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Pilgrims’ Affairs, Alhaji Hammanadama Tukur, disclosed that the intending pilgrims had been provided with uniforms for easy identification, a measure aimed at minimising cases of missing persons during the pilgrimage. He praised Governor Kefas for his continued support and assured that the board remained committed to ensuring a hitch‑free Hajj operation. The Chairman of the Board, Gambo Alhaji Malami, used the occasion to appeal to the state government to increase the number of seats allocated to board members and technical staff, describing the current allocation as inadequate. He expressed hope that the state government would adhere to the National Hajj Commission’s standard of 44 pilgrims per official, consistent with what obtains in other states. He also assured the governor of the board’s total commitment to a successful Hajj operation.
The tragedy in Taraba is not an isolated incident in the 2026 Hajj season. In late April 2026, two intending pilgrims from Kano State, Alkasim Ibrahim Walawa, 48, and his mother, Hadiza Garba, 73, died in a road accident along the Rimin Gado highway, less than 10 kilometres from Kano metropolis. The spokesperson for the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Sulaiman Dederi, confirmed the development, noting that both deceased were registered members of the state’s 2026 Hajj contingent and had already secured their travel documents, including Hajj visas. Such incidents underscore the vulnerability of intending pilgrims and the immense physical and emotional toll of preparing for the Hajj.
The Taraba State Government has continued to demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of pilgrims. During the 2025 off‑season, the board had already begun early preparations by fixing a December 1, 2025, deadline for the payment of Hajj fares, which were set at N7,630,000 per pilgrim. The board had also established collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps to enhance the safety of pilgrims travelling to and from the state. Despite these proactive measures, the recent deaths serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable journey of faith.
As the 716 surviving pilgrims prepared to depart Jalingo for the Holy Land, their hearts were heavy with the loss of their fellow worshippers. The farewell ceremony, which was meant to be a celebration of a spiritual milestone, turned into a moment of collective mourning. Tanko advised the pilgrims to make prudent use of their Basic Travel Allowance to avoid hardship, while also commending Governor Kefas for his financial and moral support towards the Hajj operations. Governor Kefas, in his address, called on the pilgrims to uphold the sanctity of the pilgrimage and pray for the peace and progress of Taraba State and Nigeria during the current transition period.
The 2026 Hajj season is now fully underway, with Nigerian pilgrims expected to join millions of other Muslims from around the world in the annual pilgrimage. As the first batches of pilgrims began arriving in Saudi Arabia, the nation paused to pray for the safe journey of its citizens and for the eternal rest of those who, due to illness, accident, or fate, never saw the gates of Makkah.
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