By Queen Kunde
A group of intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj exercise in Taraba State have appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas to establish a permanent Hajj Camp in the state to end difficulties.
Manu Musa, Ahmadu Ishaku, and Usman Ardo spoke in an interview shortly after listening to the farewell address by Governor Agbu Kefas, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Islamic Religious Matters, Malam Husseini Isma’il.
They lamented that intending pilgrims have been experiencing difficulties due to the lack of a conducive and hygienic environment.
According to them, they have been escorting their relatives for the Hajj exercise for over fifteen years and the situation remains the same.
They pleaded for the state government to build a permanent Hajj Camp, providing enough toilets for both males and females, as well as conducive hostels to ensure better sleeping conditions.
They also suggested using insecticides to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria.
“Though the medical team has given us injections for such diseases and we appreciate Governor Kefas for the gesture,” they added.
Alhaji Abubakar Modibbo, who accompanied his wife, described the situation as worrisome and urged Governor Agbu Kefas to address the challenge which he also opined that providing a permanent Hajj Camp in the state will be the solution.
He revealed that since the creation of the Taraba State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board in 1992, the Board has been operating in a temporary Hajj camp, which has raised concerns.
Modibbo emphasized the loss of revenue to the state government as some people opt to travel through other states with better services.
However, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Ahmed Umar Chiroma, announced that plans are underway to establish a permanent Hajj camp in the state.
He urged intending pilgrims to pray for the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas, Taraba State, and Nigeria in general while in Saudi Arabia.
He also reminded them to comply with the rules and regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to refrain from carrying any contraband.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Taraba State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Umar Gambo revealed that a total of 1,118 intending pilgrims are expected to perform this year’s Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia.
Ziti News gathered that the Taraba State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has been using Model Primary School Jalingo as its temporary Hajj camp for many years, including this year, except for last year (2023), when the state did not camp its intended pilgrims due to some challenges.