President Muhammadu Buhari is deeply saddened by the colossal calamity
which occurred yesterday in the Saudi Arabia, claiming the lives of
hundreds of pilgrims, including some Nigerians.
President Buhari believes that the stampede at Mina in which a notable
Nigerian Journalist, Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf, Prof. Tijjani El-Miskin and
others lost their lives is a monumental tragedy, not only for citizens of
the countries involved, but for the global Islamic community.
The President extends sincerest condolences to the families of the over
700 pilgrims who lost their lives in this latest disaster in the Holy
Places which occurred less than two weeks after a crane collapse in Mecca
claimed more than a hundred lives.
President Buhari commiserates with the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the
Nigerian Union of Journalists on the sad loss of Hajiya Bilkisu, an
exemplary, dedicated, knowledgeable, very credible, highly-respected,
outstanding editor and columnist who, even in death, will remain a
glittering role model for journalists, within and outside Nigeria.
The President has taken note of the assurance by the Government of Saudi
Arabia that Thursday’s catastrophe will be investigated and urges King
Salman to ensure a comprehensive and thorough exercise that will identify
any flaws in Hajj organisation with a view to avoiding a recurrence of
such tragedies during the annual pilgrimage.
In the knowledge that it is not within our powers to question the will of
God, President Buhari prays that Almighty Allah will comfort the families
who lost their beloved ones in the stampede and receive the souls of all
those who died in the Holy Land while fulfilling the religious obligation
of the Hajj.