Hajj 2026: Video, Ondo pilgrims arrive Arafat A Defining stage of Hajj By Lai Gidado
Hajj 2026: Video, Ondo pilgrims arrive Arafat a Defining stage of Hajj
By Lai Gidado
Days after a fatal auto crash involving Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia claimed the life of an Ondo pilgrim, the state’s contingent on Tuesday, proceeded to Mount Arafat to participate in one of the most significant rites of the Hajj exercise.
Two other Ondo pilgrims who sustained injuries in the accident are also expected to join fellow pilgrims on Mount Arafat to participate in the spiritual exercise.
The Administrative Secretary of the Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board, Omoniyi Muhammed Mutiu, disclosed this during a telephone interview with journalists while providing an update on the condition of pilgrims in the Holy Land.
According to Mutiu, the accident occurred last Wednesday when a luxury bus reportedly suffered brake failure and rammed into a vehicle conveying pilgrims.
“The exercise has been going smoothly except for the unfortunate incident we experienced last Wednesday when a luxury bus lost control due to brake failure and collided with vehicles conveying Nigerian pilgrims,” he said.
He explained that although several pilgrims were affected in the crash, only three victims were from Ondo State.
“Out of the affected persons, we lost one pilgrim from Ondo State, while two others sustained injuries and were hospitalised,” he added.
Mutiu, however, noted that the injured pilgrims responded positively to treatment and would be conveyed to Arafat to participate in the major Hajj rites alongside other pilgrims.
Despite the incident, the Ondo State contingent has continued with the pilgrimage activities, moving from Mina to Arafat, where the spiritual peak of the Hajj exercise is taking place.
The administrative secretary said clerics and Islamic scholars had continued to offer prayers and spiritual guidance to pilgrims ahead of the Arafat rites.
He also appreciated the people and government of Ondo State for their prayers and support, particularly Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, whom he commended for improving the welfare of Muslim pilgrims in the state.
According to him, the number of Hajj slots allocated to Ondo State has increased significantly under the current administration, rising from just above 200 to more than 800 pilgrims.
Mutiu assured that Ondo pilgrims have remained law-abiding and continued to represent the state positively throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.
