President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said he is deeply
saddened by the colossal calamity which occurred Thursday in Saudi Arabia,
claiming the lives of hundreds of pilgrims, including some Nigerians.
“President Buhari believes that the stampede at Mina in
which a notable Nigerian Journalist, Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf, Prof. Tijjani
El-Miskin and others lost their lives is a monumental tragedy, not only for
citizens of the countries involved, but for the global Islamic community,”
presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, said in a statement.
Mr. Shehu added, “The President extends sincerest
condolences to the families of the over 700 pilgrims who lost their lives in
this latest disaster in the Holy Places which occurred less than two weeks
after a crane collapse in Mecca claimed more than a hundred lives.
“President Buhari commiserates with the Nigerian Guild of
Editors and the Nigerian Union of Journalists on the sad loss of Hajiya
Bilkisu, an exemplary, dedicated, knowledgeable, very credible,
highly-respected, outstanding editor and columnist who, even in death, will
remain a glittering role model for journalists, within and outside Nigeria.
“The President has taken note of the assurance by the
Government of Saudi Arabia that Thursday’s catastrophe will be investigated and
urges King Salman to ensure a comprehensive and thorough exercise that will
identify any flaws in Hajj organisation with a view to avoiding a recurrence of
such tragedies during the annual pilgrimage.
“In the knowledge that it is not within our powers to
question the will of God, President Buhari prays that Almighty Allah will
comfort the families who lost their beloved ones in the stampede and receive
the souls of all those who died in the Holy Land while fulfilling the religious
obligation of the Hajj.”
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