The first batch of Hajj pilgrims from Lagos State have returned to the country.
The state disclosed on Tuesday that 380 Hajj pilgrims arrived from Saudi Arabia on Monday.
The pilgrims, who departed the King AbdulAzeez International Airport, Jeddah, aboard a Flynas Airline XY 7656 at 11.30am Saudi Arabian time, arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, around 4pm on Monday.
The Amir-ul-Hajj, Anofiu Elegushi, who described the flight as “special” in a statement, said it had on board the elderly, people with medical challenges and others.
“There are 185 male and 195 female pilgrims, led by AbdulWaheed Shonibare, a member of the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, representing the Ikeja division,” the statement added.
Elegushi said, as “new Alhajis and Alhajas”, the pilgrims were like “newly-born babies without any sins.”
He added that in line with Islamic principles, their new status remains intact for at least 41 days if they can avoid committing sins.
The Amir-ul-Hajj appealed to the pilgrims yet to be airlifted to exercise patience as necessary plans had been put in place to ensure that everyone was airlifted back to Nigeria within the shortest possible time.
Confirming the arrival of the pilgrims to our correspondent on Tuesday, the Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Taofeek Lawal, said “The pilgrims’ flight landed at the MMIA around 4pm on Monday.”
