A 75-year-old Nigerian woman, Adizatu Dazumi, has died during the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Dazumi, who was from Jattu Uzairue in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, passed away on Monday at the King Fahad General Hospital in Makkah following a brief illness.
According to officials, the elderly pilgrim had completed the Tawaaf—the Islamic ritual of walking around the Kaaba—before falling ill. She was admitted to the hospital on Sunday and died the following day.
The Chairman of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Musah Uduimoh, confirmed the incident on Tuesday, noting that she was buried the same day in Makkah in line with Islamic customs. He also said that her family in Nigeria had been informed.
“She was buried in Makkah on the same day, according to Islamic tradition, and her family in Jattu Uzairue has been informed,” Uduimoh stated.
The board expressed its condolences to the family and assured the public of its continued commitment to ensuring the health and safety of all pilgrims.
Dazumi’s death highlights the ongoing health challenges that some pilgrims face during the Hajj. The annual Islamic pilgrimage is physically demanding and draws millions of Muslims from around the world to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
In previous years, Nigerian pilgrims have also faced fatalities. In 2023, at least four Nigerian pilgrims died due to health complications worsened by extreme heat and the physical demands of the pilgrimage.
In response to such incidents, Saudi authorities and Hajj boards from different countries have increased medical screenings, improved healthcare services, and provided more training and orientation for pilgrims.
As the 2025 Hajj continues, Nigerian officials are urging all pilgrims—especially the elderly—to stay hydrated, follow medical advice, and seek immediate medical attention if they feel unwell.
