Another group of 430 pilgrims from Kebbi State, who performed this year’s holy pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, have returned safely to Nigeria.

The pilgrims arrived at Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi early Monday morning.

Their flight, an AIRBUS A330, took off from Jeddah International Airport in Saudi Arabia at about 9 pm Saudi time and landed in Nigeria at 1:20 am.

Ahmed Idris, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, confirmed the pilgrims’ successful arrival in a statement on Monday. Idris said, “The flight conveyed pilgrims from Argungu and Dandi local government areas, as well as some Kebbi government officials.”

He also mentioned that a third plane is expected to depart Saudi Arabia on Sunday night and arrive in Nigeria next Monday morning.

Saudi Arabia recently announced that 1,301 pilgrims died during this year’s hajj. In an interview with newsmen, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health, Fahd Al-Jalajel, said, “83 percent of the 1,301 fatalities were unauthorized pilgrims who walked long distances in high temperatures to perform the hajj rituals.”

Al-Jalajel added, “1,301 people died during the Hajj 1445 season. May Allah have mercy on them all. 83% of them are not authorized for Hajj, who walked long distances under the sun, without shelter or rest, including a number of elderly people and people with chronic diseases.”

The minister also noted that 95 pilgrims are being treated in hospitals, with some being airlifted for treatment in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.