Hajj Stampede: Death Toll of Nigerians Rises to 20

The death toll of Nigerian victims of the hajj stampede in Saudi Arabia has risen to 20.

You will recall that at first, it was reported that there were 3 confirmed deaths, and some other news sources said it was 6 casualties.

It is feared that the death toll will rise above 20, as states are still searching for their missing pilgrims, Vanguard reports. So far, Taraba, Sokoto and Gombe states have announced the loss of some pilgrims from their states.

Reports further state:

Two justices of the Court of Appeal, Justice Abubakar Abdulkadir Jega, brother of former INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega, and Justice Musa Hassan Alkali, and front line journalist and columnist, Hajiya Bilikisu Yusuf, among others have been confirmed dead.

The Amirul Hajj of Taraba State, Alhaji Abbas Ibrahim, and two of his wives are also among the dead.

Sokoto State lost nine pilgrims in the stampede. Also, a staff of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, (name withheld), also died in the crush.