*Delta tasks
faithful on peace, unity
The Saudi
government has apologised to two Nigerian pilgrims maltreated by security
personnel at the Prince Muhammad Bn Abdulaziz Airport in Madina.Audu
Muhammad
and Ibrahim Godi, both from Nasarawa State, were reportedly brutalised by
customs officers shortly after their arrival in the holy city.
The deputy
governor of Madina region, Sheikh Mohammad Albijawi, who tendered the apology
during a visit to the victims, vowed that the security officials, who offended
the pilgrims, would be sanctioned.
He urged the
pilgrims to be of good conduct and perform the yearly spiritual pilgrimage
based on religious guidelines and instructions.Albijawi, disclosed that the
Saudi authorities have put facilities in place to ensure a hitch-free regilious
exercise.
The Nigerian
Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Umaru Salisu Zainabu, commended the authorities for
the swift action. Also the victims were excited at the response. Seventy-nine
thousand Nigerians are performing this year’s rites, according to the
Chairman/CEO, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and Malam Abdullahi
Mukhtar Muhammad.
Also
yesterday, the Delta government enjoined intending pilgrims to pray for
sustainable peace, unity and prosperity of the state in particular and the
nation in general.
Governor
Ifeanyi Okowa, who gave the advice during the pre-departure briefing organised
for the 75 Muslim pilgrims from the state, also urged them to be good
ambassadors by shunning acts capable of bringing the image of the state to
disrepute.
Speaking
through the Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, Ernest Ogwezzy, the
governor noted that religious pilgrimage was intended for the spiritual
edification of the pilgrims, pointing out that he was glad that the Muslim
community in the state was embarking on the exercise.
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