Buried within hours according to Islamic rites, a Nigerian pilgrim from Edo State, Mrs Adizatu Dazumi, has died in Saudi Arabia while participating in the 2025 Hajj.
The 75-year-old, a native of Jattu Uzairue in Etsako West Local Government Area, was confirmed dead at King Fahad General Hospital, Makkah, where she had been admitted the previous day after falling ill.
According to officials, the illness began shortly after Dazumi completed Tawaaf, the ritual circumambulation around the Kaaba—one of the core religious obligations performed by Muslims during Hajj.
Chairman of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Malam Musah Uduimoh, addressed the development in a statement on Tuesday.
“In line with Islamic tradition, she was buried in Makkah on the same day she passed and her family in Jattu Uzairue had been duly informed of the development,” he said.
Dazumi’s death was not linked to any broader outbreak or safety concern, and officials indicated she had experienced a sudden but isolated medical emergency.
Although her passing came just days into the pilgrimage, Uduimoh expressed sympathy and reaffirmed the board’s ongoing responsibility in managing pilgrim welfare during the rites.
He conveyed “heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family” and reassured that the board “remains vigilant in safeguarding their health and welfare.”