By Ajani Okanlawon
The Sokoto State Government on Saturday announced that nine of its pilgrims have so far been confirmed dead in the stampede that occurred in Mina, Saudi Arabia on Thursday.
Government officials, led by, Deputy Governor Ahmad Aliyu, who is the leader of the state’s delegation, are said to be working round the clock to identify many of the pilgrims who suffered various degrees of injuries and are receiving treatments in different hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Spokesman to Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Imam Imam, says: “At this moment of grief and sober reflection, the state government urges all citizens to remain calm and intensify prayers as we await further confirmation from authorities concerned.”
Further statement will be made as more information becomes available.
“May God bless the souls of those who died and may His healing be visited upon all the injured. May God console us all,” Imam concludes.
