Government Official Dies In Saudi Arabia During Hajj
The Permanent Secretary for Special Services in the Office of the Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, Shehu Yahaya Jalam, has died in Makkah while taking part in the 2026 Hajj exercise.
He passed away on Sunday morning after a short illness while still in the Holy Land.
His death was confirmed in a statement issued by Mukhtar Gidado, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bala Mohammed.
According to the statement, Jalam was part of the official Bauchi State delegation that travelled to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage. He was said to have been receiving attention after falling ill before he eventually died.
With his passing, the number of Nigerian pilgrims who have died during the ongoing Hajj in Saudi Arabia has now risen to five.
The news has added more concern to the situation of Nigerian pilgrims currently observing the religious exercise in Saudi Arabia.
The Bauchi State Government described Jalam as a committed public servant who served the state with dedication for many years.
He also held the traditional title of Turakin Dawakin Misau and was known for his role in coordinating earlier Hajj operations and other government duties assigned to him.
He was buried on Sunday after Zuhr prayer at the Holy Mosque in Makkah. The funeral was attended according to Islamic rites in the holy city.
Governor Bala Mohammed expressed sadness over the loss and sent condolences to the family of the deceased, the Office of the Head of Civil Service, and the people of Bauchi State.
He prayed for Allah to forgive the late official and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, while also asking for strength for those he left behind.