The Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board says it has put in place a rigorous pre-departure screening for? intending pilgrims.??? Executive chairman of the board, Alhaji Usman Suru, said this on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi while speaking to journalists.
Suru, who said 1,500 pilgrims had departed the state for the Hajj, pointed out that those from Zuru,Koko-Besse and Birnin Kebbi area councils were subjected to instant pregnancy tests and luggage search.?? ?
He also said each of the pilgrims received a basic travel allowance while uniforms and other necessary items were also provided by the agency, stating that the board also provided a
Hajj guide, medical teams, as well as a group of Islamic scholars to assist pilgrims during the Hajj. ?
In a related development, the sole administrator of Birnin Kebbi local government council, Alhaji Musa Dan-Illela, has advised about 5,000 pilgrims from the area to be good ambassadors of the state and the country in general.
Dan-Illela, who visited the pilgrims in their camp, advised them against unnecessary spending while promising assistance in Saudi Arabia.??? ?
“I urge you to abide by Saudi Arabian laws and all forms of misconduct for you to have complete and acceptable religious obligation,’’ he said.
A total of 5,666 intending pilgrims from the state will perform the religious exercise this year (NAN).