A prominent leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Lagos, Alhaja Ramota Bankole, has died in Saudi Arabia after performing the Hajj rites.
Bankole, who was from Epe and a former welfare secretary of Lagos APC, was among the pilgrims who succumbed to the extreme heat in Mecca during the 2024 Hajj.
The council chairmen of Epe Local Government, Eredo, and Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area confirmed her death on Thursday. They expressed shock and sadness over the loss of Bankole, who had just celebrated her 60th birthday last month.
Chairman of Epe Local Government, Surah Animashaun, shared a heartfelt statement: “It’s with a heavy heart, and a deep sense of grief that I received the news of the death of Alhaja Ramota Bankole. It is a sad day indeed as I received the news that she died in the holy land of Mecca while on holy pilgrimage. I extend my condolences to the Bankole family, APC members, and the entire people of Epe on the unfortunate demise of our dear Sister and Mummy.”
According to a report by AFP on Wednesday, at least 550 pilgrims from various Islamic countries died due to the extreme heat in Saudi Arabia during this year’s Hajj. Among them, 323 were Egyptian citizens. The temperatures in Mecca reached almost 52 degrees Celsius, causing many deaths and illnesses.
Another report by NewsNow indicated that over 1,400 people are missing or presumed dead due to the intense heat during the Hajj. On June 16, Reuters reported that 14 pilgrims from Jordan were killed and 17 others went missing in Saudi Arabia. Deaths during Hajj are often caused by extreme heat or overcrowding.
More than 1.8 million pilgrims participated in this year’s Hajj in Mecca. In addition, the Iranian Red Crescent Society announced the death of at least 11 pilgrims from Iran.
Various Pilgrims Boards in Nigeria have also reported the deaths of Nigerian pilgrims during the recently concluded Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
