Medina — Three Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia have died, Dr Bello Tambawwal, the Head of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria Medina Mission, said.

Tambawwal made the disclosure in an interview in Medina, saying the pilgrims were from Kebbi, Kano and Katsina states.

He said the first was a pilgrim from Kano State, who died aboard the plane conveying him and others in the inaugural flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

He said the others died in Medina from illnesses but added that " both of them were in their ripe age at the time of their death."

Tambawwal said the Nigerian mission was working hard to ensure that medical services were available to the pilgrims always by operating two clinics in Medina, which rendered services for 24 hours.

He said the commission was working with the medical teams of state pilgrims' boards to ensure that priority attention was given to the health- care of pilgrims.

He commended FCT, Edo, Jigawa, Osun and Kogi states for their zeal and commitment to the health-care of their pilgrims and urged others to emulate them.

Tambawwal also commended the states for the thorough screening of intending female pilgrims, which resulted to none carrying a pregnancy unlike in the past.

"Last year we had nine cases of pregnancy cases, resulting in still birth or safe delivery of the babies but we have no pregnancy cases this year", he said.

NAN