Another Nigerian pilgrim identified as Sheikh Abdulrahman Umar Maigona, has died in Makkah, Saudi Arabia after hajj.
Maigona, an Islamic scholar and a member of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, died on Thursday, July 14, at the Namma Muwada Hotel, after a brief illness.
The Head of National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) Medical Team Dr Usman Shua’ibu Galadima, who confirmed the development said Sheikh Maigona was brought in around 1 pm and immediately attended to.
According to him, his situation aggravated and while efforts were being made to arrest his worsening health situation, he gave up.
Galadima said the deceased had once visited the clinic and was treated for another ailment.
According to an eyewitness, the Islamic scholar proclaimed Khalimah Shahadah (Laila Islamic lahu – There’s no God except Allah) before he gave up.
The late Sheikh Maigona’s remains have been taken to Masjid Haram for Janazah and interment.
The deceased was until his death, a lecturer with the Department of Islamic Studies, Gombe State University and chief Imam of Izala mosque.
The 48-year-old cleric was a close associate of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.
Maigona is the third pilgrim to die during the 2022 Hajj operations.
Hajiya Aisha Ahmed from Keffi in Nasarawa State died on June 29, after a brief illness and was buried in Makka, while Hajiya Hasiya Aminu from Zaria, Kaduna State died on Arafat Day on July 8 shortly after returning to her tent from Arafat.
Meanwhile, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has condoled with the family and close associates of the deceased.
A statement signed by the Director-General (Press Affairs) Gombe State Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli, said the Governor received the news with sadness.
“Governor Inuwa, who expressed profound grief over the cleric’s demise, described the late Chief Imam of Izala mosque number 8 as a great scholar, who lived a simple life and spent a greater part of his life propagating Islamic ideals and guiding people in the service of Almighty Allah and the path of prophet Muhammad ( SAW),” the statement read.
“He said his death is a huge loss, not only to the deceased’s immediate family but the entire state and the nation.
“The Governor extended the condolences of the Government and people of Gombe State to the bereaved family, his associates, including the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, the management and staff of Gombe State University where the deceased served as a lecturer at the department of Islamic studies as well as the entire Muslim ummah in the state.
“He prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his Shortcomings and reward his good deeds with Aljannat Firdaus.”
