Ninety-nine Nigerian pilgrims are confirmed dead in the Mina, Saudi Arabia stampede tragedy on September 24, this year, a dramatic 35 bodies’ increase in the death toll update by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
More than 769 pilgrims from across the world lost their lives and 1,000 others injured in the stampede on one of the roads leading to Jamarat Complex (stone throwing site) in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
Dr Saleh Okenwa, NAHCON Commissioner in charge of Information, Research and Library Service told newsmen in Mecca on Thursday that out of the 355 pilgrims involved, 99 were confirmed dead, 42 injured and 214 were still missing as at October 7 and that investigation was ongoing to ascertain their whereabouts.
Alhaji Uba Mana, Director, Public Affairs of NAHCON, said in its update on September 29 that 64 persons died, 71 were injured and 244 were missing, a dramatic 35 deaths increase in nine days.
Okenwa said only seven of the 42 injured pilgrims are still on admission.
