By Rasheed Lateef
The Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced that only 95 intending pilgrims from the state will depart for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia on May 18, amid the disqualification of hundreds of applicants.
The Executive Secretary of the board, Alhaji Muhammadkabir Eranga, made this known on Thursday while speaking with journalists in Benin City.
Eranga explained that all necessary preparations had been finalized to ensure a successful and seamless pilgrimage exercise.
According to him, the intending pilgrims are expected to begin camping in Benin City on May 15 before proceeding to Lagos on May 17 for their onward journey to Saudi Arabia.
Eranga stated that the board had already secured accommodation, transportation, catering services, and other essential logistics for the pilgrims.
He further revealed that a final screening exercise was being conducted for all intending pilgrims across the state to confirm that all travel requirements and documentation were complete ahead of departure.
The executive secretary also confirmed that visas for the pilgrims had been processed successfully.
Speaking on the number of participants, Eranga disclosed that although Edo State received an allocation of 351 pilgrimage slots from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), only 95 individuals completed payment before the stipulated deadline.
He noted that about 100 other prospective pilgrims who paid after the deadline, hoping for an extension, would not be able to participate in this year’s Hajj.
According to him, those affected have been advised either to request refunds or allow their payments to be retained for consideration in the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage.
