President Muhammadu Buhari is deeply saddened by the colossal calamity which
occurred yesterday in the Saudi Arabia, claiming the lives of hundreds of
pilgrims, including some Nigerians. 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.
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.
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.
0 Comments