Abuja — Authorities of the National HajjCommission (NAHCON) have debunked media reports of unruly conduct and demonstration by some of the nation's pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, leading to destruction of facilities in some of the country's banks.

According to the reports, some aggrieved pilgrims who could not clear their travelers' cheques from the banks on arrival to Saudi Arabia had attacked the banks, breaking their windows. A statement from NAHCON signed by its Head of Media, Uba Mana, however, refuted the report, insisting that the facts in the story were not presented correctly. The statement explained that the usual practice was that pilgrims get their money usually in travelers cheques, changed right there at the airport upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, with as many as 15 banks serving the pilgrims. "This year however, only four banks were available to serve over 50,000 Nigerian pilgrims, which obviously led to anxiety and restiveness on the part of some of the pilgrims who were anxious to have their money changed", he stated. He maintained that in the process, a glass of one of the banks got broken due to struggle from the large volume of pilgrims, thus contradicting the claims that many banks had their windows broken.

The statement stressed that the pilgrims had remained peaceful and orderly in the performance of their religious obligation, adding that the commission had already raised the matter with Saudi authorities who have apologised and directed all banks to be available and render full service to the pilgrims. He assured of the commission's commitment to ensuring the well being of all pilgrims while in the holy land.