The Bauchi State government has stopped eight women discovered to be pregnant during screening of intending pilgrims from performing this year’s Hajj.
The state Deputy Amirul Hajj who also doubles as the Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly, Kawuwa Damina, disclosed this to journalists in Bauchi yesterday.
Damina said that the pregnant women were detected following series of tests conducted at government hospital and at the Hajj camp.
He said that 10 others could not make the journey to Saudi Arabia as of Saturday, saying, “so far a total of 1,983 intending pilgrims out of the 2,520 from the state have been airlifted to the Holy Land.”
He further disclosed that some of the 10 intending pilgrims fell sick before their departure, while some arrived the airport late, saying that they would be allowed to go with the last flight.
The Speaker said, “From Thursday 18th to Saturday 20th, 1,983 intending pilgrims had been airlifted to the Holy Land. They ought to be 2,000 that could have been airlifted but 17 were left behind due to some challenges.
“The 17 intending pilgrims that were left behind as of Saturday, seven were pregnant women, while out of the other 10, some were sick and some of them came late. Those that came late will be allowed at the last flight, while the sick people will not be allowed to go.
On what would happen to the money of those who could not go to Saudi Arabia, including the pregnant women, the Speaker stated: “For those of them who indicate interest to go next year would be allowed to go,” adding that if they don’t want to go any longer, their money would be refunded to them.
Damina further said that 520 intending pilgrims were to be airlifted to the Holy Land Sunday, and Monday, which is the last flight, already the had been screen at the camp.
He said, “Out of the 300 intending pilgrims that are screened to be airlifted Sunday, one is discovered with nine weeks pregnant at the last minute, adding that she has immediately returned home,” he said.
“So they are 299 intending pilgrims that are going to Saudi Arabia on Sunday out of the number 300.”
According to him, “the total numbers of intending pilgrims as of Sunday that are already in the Holy Land was 2282, out of the total numbers of 2520. While the 238 that are remaining are expected to be airlifted on Monday, which is the last flight,” he said.
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