
The first flight carrying Jigawa pilgrims from Saudi Arabia landed safely at the Nuhu Muhammad Sanusi International Airport in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, on Saturday.
According to the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, the first flight, Max Air, arrived at about 2:57 pm, carrying 549 male and female pilgrims.
The board stated that the remaining 381 Jigawa pilgrims in the Holy Land are going to be on the second and final flight expected to arrive in Nigeria next Monday.
The pilgrims, including representatives of the Hajj Committee, officials of the state pilgrims’ welfare board, clerics, and other pilgrims, expressed their gratitude to the government and the Hajj Commission for the care they received during their pilgrimage.
Briefing journalists shortly after the arrival of the pilgrims, the Director General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Ahmed Labbo, expressed his gratitude for the success achieved in the repatriation of Jigawa pilgrims to Nigeria.
“We thank Allah for the safe return of our pilgrims,” Labbo said.
He said that the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has been working tirelessly to ensure the successful return of the pilgrims.
“The successful repatriation of these pilgrims is a testament to the commission’s dedication and hard work,” he explained.
The DG therefore revealed that the state government has promised to continue providing support and care to the pilgrims, ensuring their successful reintegration into their communities.
Speaking with PUNCH Online, the pilgrims appreciated Allah and the state pilgrims’ welfare board for their successful pilgrimage.
“We are grateful to Allah and the state pilgrimage authority for the task entrusted to them in the holy land,” said Aisha Sani, a pilgrim from Birnin Kudu Local Government Area.
Abdulrahman Muhammad, a pilgrim from Gumel Local Government Area, expressed his gratitude to the government and the pilgrims’ board.
“We thank the government and the Hajj Commission for their support and care during our pilgrimage,” he said.
Fatima Aliyu, a pilgrim from Dutse Local Government Area, hailed the state pilgrims’ welfare board for their organisation and support.
“The board did an excellent job in organising our pilgrimage,” Aliyu said.